Taiwan recently displayed its first domestically-made submarine, boosting its defense arsenal.
President Tsai Ing-wen initiated this project back in 2016, aiming to build eight submarines.
Named “Hai Kun,” which means “mythical sea creature,” the vessel made its debut in Kaohsiung, a southern port city.
Tsai celebrated the event, saying, “Today is historic. We’ve achieved a task once thought impossible: constructing a homegrown submarine.”
This initiative is part of Taiwan’s larger plan to raise its defense budget to $19 billion by 2024. Most of these funds will go toward buying military gear, largely from the U.S.
China’s Ministry of Defense criticized Taiwan’s strategy. The spokesperson emphasized China’s territorial claim over Taiwan and its escalated military activities around the island.
Cheng Wen-lon, head of CSBC Corp, led the submarine’s seven-year construction process. He stated, “This vessel will be a key asset in asymmetric warfare.”
Hai Kun is 80 meters long and weighs between 2,500 to 3,000 tons. The submarine features Lockheed Martin torpedoes and combat systems.
Taiwan will test the submarine extensively, aiming for full operation by 2025. Meanwhile,
Taiwan’s navy currently uses two older Swordfish-type submarines bought from the Netherlands in the 1980s.
Background Taiwan Submarine
The unveiling of Hai Kun marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
This move showcases the island’s focus on self-reliance, particularly amid increasing regional tensions.
Moreover, it also highlights the importance of U.S.-Taiwan relations, given the American technology featured in the submarine.
The increased defense budget indicates Taiwan’s strategic shift toward fortifying its military resources.
This is crucial given China’s amplified activities in the region. Yet, China’s stern reaction to the submarine might indicate an even more complex geopolitical landscape in the near future.
For Taiwan, Hai Kun is more than just a vessel; it’s a statement of intent and sovereignty.
As defense budgets globally experience unprecedented increases, Taiwan’s investment in its military, and particularly in such strategic assets like submarines, will likely continue to draw international attention.