Taiwan reveals first indigenous submarine to much fanfare
Taiwan unveiled its first indigenously built submarine on 28 September. (Photo: MND)
Taiwan has made good progress with its submarine programme, revealing its initial boat in late September.
Taiwan unveiled its maiden Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), displacing approximately 2,700t, at a formal ceremony in Kaohsiung on 28 September.
Christened Hai Kun (SS-711), its name refers to a giant mythical fish that can also fly from classical literature by Chinese philosopher Chuang-Tzu. In English, the submarine has already been dubbed the narwhal.
Construction kicked off on 24 November 2020 after a contract was signed in May 2019. Approximately 70m long and with an 8m beam, this submarine will not be commissioned until late 2024.
At the ceremony, sensitive parts of the submarine were draped in a Taiwan flag or
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
