Sea trials begin for Taiwan's first locally built submarine

Taiwanese shipbuilder CSBC Corporation has begun conducting sea trials of the future ROCS Hai Kun, Taiwan's first indigenously built submarine.

The initial sea trials commenced at the Port of Kaohsiung on Saturday, June 14, and concluded three days later.

CSBC said the diesel-electric submarine underwent a "floating navigation test" as part of the trials. Following further improvements and adjustments to the onboard systems, the boat will undergo "submerged navigation tests."

The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) had earlier stated that the submarine is scheduled to be delivered by November of this year.

Taiwan's indigenous submarine construction program has been criticised by some of the country's lawmakers due to what they said were numerous delays. However, ROCN and defence officials have assured that the boat's delivery is still scheduled for this year, as had been anticipated in late 2020.

The future Hai Kun measures approximately 70 metres long and is powered by lithium-ion batteries. Once in service, it will be armed with Mark 48 torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.