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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Conflict & Security

Taiwan's Hai Kun Submarine Boasts Advanced Sonar, Comparable to Collins-Class

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taiwan's shipbuilding corporation chairman highlighted the combat capabilities of the new Hai Kun submarine, comparing it to Australia's Collins-class.
  • He emphasized the submarine's advanced sonar systems, including passive ranging sonar, as a key strength.
  • The Hai Kun submarine is equipped with world-class Mark-48 heavy torpedoes and advanced sonar components from leading global manufacturers.

The combat capabilities of Taiwan's new Hai Kun submarine are on par with or exceed a "medium level," according to Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (TSBC) Chairman Chen Cheng-hung. In a recent interview, Chen drew a comparison between the Hai Kun and Australia's Collins-class submarines, highlighting the Taiwanese vessel's advanced systems.

The sonar system includes passive sonar at the bow for listening to sounds ahead, navigation sonar, and more advanced systems along the sides and at three protruding points.

— Chen Cheng-hungExplaining the advanced sonar capabilities of the Hai Kun submarine.

Chen specifically praised the submarine's sonar systems, a critical component for underwater operations. He pointed to the passive ranging sonar, a series of sensors along the hull that can detect and locate underwater sounds without emitting their own signals, thus remaining undetected. This system, he explained, is crucial for identifying sound sources and determining their distance and location.

Beyond the advanced sonar, the Hai Kun is equipped with the Mark-48 heavy torpedo, described by Chen as the "world's best." The submarine utilizes a variety of sonar systems, all sourced from "one of the world's best manufacturers" and classified as "red zone" equipment, indicating their high-level technological status. Chen noted that possessing such advanced capabilities aids in the acquisition of further red zone equipment for future vessels.

Because it does not emit its own sound waves, it cannot be detected, and it also has ranging capabilities.

— Chen Cheng-hungDescribing the advantages of the passive ranging sonar.

TSBC had previously clarified reports of "hull deformation" on the Hai Kun, explaining that the protrusions on the port bow were actually the passive ranging sonar components. These advanced integrated sonar systems are a testament to the submarine's sophisticated design and technological prowess, positioning it as a significant asset in Taiwan's defense capabilities.

The Hai Kun has multiple sonar systems, all 'red zone' equipment provided by one of the world's best manufacturers.

— Chen Cheng-hungHighlighting the quality and origin of the submarine's sonar technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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