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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction]()
AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction
Australia’s Collins-class life of type extension has revived debate over whether Canberra needs a contingency plan as risks to every stage of the AUKUS pathway mount. With Japan newly open to exports, the case for a diesel-electric stopgap is gaining traction.
-
![Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location]()
Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location
Seoul has unveiled its “Jangbogo-N Project” to develop domestically built, nuclear-propelled attack submarines in close coordination with Washington, marking an escalation of the Republic of Korea’s deterrence posture against Pyongyang’s undersea nuclear capabilities.
-
![Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia]()
Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s consideration of Mogami-class frigates points to a widening export opportunity for Tokyo across Southeast Asia and raises the prospect of the Mogami becoming the region’s default mid-tier surface combatant.
Connect with us on socials
