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
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
