Taiwan's Hai Kun submarine delayed by military drills, foreign tech, and typhoon

Taiwan's Hai Kun submarine is approaching the final phase of its sea trials, but its progress has been delayed for nearly two weeks. Military expert Chi Tung-yun identified three main reasons for the setback: the ongoing Han Kuang 42 exercise, the need for foreign technical coordination, and recent typhoon activity.

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The Han Kuang 42 exercise added a subject of naval fleet escort to ensure the smooth flow of maritime supply lines, so naval warships participating in the exercise could not support the Hai Kun's sea trials.

The Han Kuang exercise, which includes naval fleet escort missions to ensure supply lines, has diverted naval resources, preventing support for the Hai Kun's trials. Additionally, deep-sea diving tests require extensive preparation, often involving assistance from original equipment manufacturers. The coordination with foreign technicians has led to scheduling delays.

Furthermore, the outer bands of Typhoon Bailu have impacted the trial schedule. Despite these delays, the submarine's deck work栏杆 (handrails) have been removed, signaling that calibration is nearing completion. Overnight navigation and deep-sea diving tests are anticipated to resume between August 17th and 21st.

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Because deep-sea diving tests require more preparation, and some equipment even needs calibration assistance from the original manufacturer, the schedule will be delayed when foreign technicians arrive.

Earlier in July, the Hai Kun conducted four sea trials in rapid succession, leading to speculation that the final testing phase was imminent. However, the recent lack of activity has raised questions about the timeline.

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The removal of the deck handrails on the Hai Kun is mainly because the calibration work has come to an end, and it is expected to start overnight navigation and deep-sea diving tests next week.