Taiwan's Hai Kun submarine enters critical tests; TSHC chair compares it to Australia's Collins-class

The Hai Kun, Taiwan's domestically produced submarine (hull number SS-711), is entering a crucial stage of sea trials, with Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (TSHC) asserting its combat readiness. However, this comes amid a legislative move by the Kuomintang party to freeze billions in funding for subsequent submarines.

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If you need to defend 3 to 4 areas, you need at least one submarine per area, preferably two. One-third of submarines can be on combat duty, one-third for training new crews, and the rest for maintenance, which is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, if there are 4 areas to defend or ambush, you need 12 submarines.

TSHC Chairman Chen Cheng-hung addressed concerns about the Hai Kun's capabilities, stating that direct comparisons with international submarines are difficult. He identified Australia's Collins-class submarine as the sole comparable vessel, citing both as "all-new designs." Chen also elaborated on Taiwan's submarine needs, suggesting that 12 submarines would be necessary to adequately defend three to four strategic areas, accounting for operational readiness, training, and maintenance.

During an interview, Chen indicated that the Hai Kun possesses at least an "intermediate" level of capability, based on general engineering principles, though full testing is ongoing. He noted that while many submarines from countries like Japan, Germany, Britain, and France benefit from long shipbuilding histories, and others are based on mature designs from advanced nations, the Collins-class and the Hai Kun represent unique, tailored designs for their respective national requirements.

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It's hard to compare, but the only one that can be compared is Australia's Collins-class, because both are 'all-new designs.'

The national shipbuilding plan reportedly aims for a fleet of 10 submarines, including the existing Sea Dragon and Sea Tiger, plus eight from the Hai Kun program. TSHC has the capacity to build two submarines concurrently and is preparing a dedicated dry dock for submarine maintenance and testing, which will streamline operations and avoid occupying other berths.

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Judging by general engineering common sense, the Hai Kun has an intermediate or higher level of capability.