Taiwan's Indigenous Submarine Hai Kun Declared Combat-Ready After Successful Sea Trials

Taiwan's domestically manufactured submarine, the Hai Kun (hull number SS-711), is set to conduct its 17th sea trial, including its 11th dive, on June 5th. This increased frequency of testing indicates progress in the development of the island's indigenous submarine program. Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (TSC) Chairman Chen Cheng-hung expressed his satisfaction with the progress, particularly highlighting the success of the initial dive and a test firing of a torpedo.

Chen stated that the submarine has successfully passed critical tests, including verifying the integrity of its pressure hull during the first dive and confirming the operational readiness of its combat system through the torpedo launch. He emphasized that the successful firing of a dummy torpedo from its six torpedo tubes, following similar tests during harbor acceptance trials, signifies that the combat system is prepared. This achievement leads him to declare the Hai Kun as a "combat-ready ship."

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The successful launch represents that the combat system is ready, and it is a combat-ready ship.

Despite these advancements, TSC is not adhering to a predetermined number of tests or a fixed delivery timeline. Chen stressed that safety and achieving quality standards are the paramount priorities. The remaining sea trials will focus on endurance and depth testing. The submarine's strategic importance was also discussed, with Chen noting its role in both tactical and strategic operations, capable of deterring larger naval forces, including aircraft carrier groups, through its elusive nature.

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Submarines are both strategic and tactical weapons. Anti-submarine warfare is the traditional symmetric warfare of submarines against submarines. Most importantly, the submarine is a very good strategic weapon. Like unmanned ships and drones, it can be used by the small to contain the large.