Taiwan launches first IDS submarine in attempt to deter Chinese aggression
Taiwan transferred Hai Kun, its first indigenously built submarine, to a large floating dry dock on 26 February. (Photo: CSBC)
Taipei’s morale-boosting US$1.5 billion submarine project has entered the water as Taiwan ramps up attempts to stall Chinese hostility.
Taiwan’s initial Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) entered the water in Kaohsiung on 27 February, with such underwater platforms intended to make China think twice before instigating overt military action against Taiwan.
CSBC transferred the submarine from its construction hall to a 35,000t floating dry dock a day earlier. After launch, the submarine moved to a dry dock for ongoing work.
Photos of the event gave clear views of the IDS design, which features a partial double hull and X-configured rudder.
Submarines have proven important to Taipei’s asymmetric warfare preparations in case the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attempted to blockade or
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
-
![US Coast Guard prepares procurement of next-gen surface search radar]()
US Coast Guard prepares procurement of next-gen surface search radar
The NXSSR will replace five in-service capabilities and be the US Coast Guard’s primary collision avoidance system.
-
![MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration]()
MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration
The DragonFire lines up with other European laser-directed energy weapons being developed in collaboration with MBDA.
