Hai Kun-class submarine: Difference between revisions

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			{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2023}}
	{{Short description\|Class of attack submarine}}		{{Short description\|Class of attack submarine}}

	{\|{{Infobox ship begin		{\|{{Infobox ship begin}}
	\| sclass = 2
	}}
	{{Infobox ship image		{{Infobox ship image
			\| Ship image = File:09.28 總統主持「潛艦國造原型艦命名暨下水典禮」 - Flickr id 53219332200.jpg
	\| Ship image =
	\| Ship caption = ~~Republic~~ of ~~China~~ ~~Indigenous~~ ~~Submarine~~		\| Ship caption = Launch ceremony of ROCS ''Hai Kun''
	}}		}}
	{{Infobox ship class overview		{{Infobox ship class overview
	\| Builders = ]		\| Name = ''Hai Kun''
			\| Builders = ]
	\| Operators = {{navy\|Republic of China}}		\| Operators = {{navy\|Republic of China}}
	\| Class before = {{sclass\|~~Zwaardvis~~\|submarine\|4}}		\| Class before = {{sclass\|Hai Lung\|submarine\|4}}
	\| Class after =		\| Class after =
	\| Subclasses =		\| Subclasses =
	\| Cost =		\| Cost =
	\| Built range = 2020–onward		\| Built range = 2020–onward
	\| In commission range = From 2025 (planned)		\| In commission range = From 2025 (planned)
	\| Total ships building = 1		\| Total ships building = 1<ref name="RADiplomat3092023" />
	\| Total ships planned = 8<ref name="TD1092022">{{cite web \|url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/taiwans-risky-submarine-aspiration/ \|title=~~Taiwan’s~~ Risky Submarine Aspiration \|last=Liao \|first=Holmes \|date=10 September 2022 \|website=The Diplomat \|access-date=}}</ref>		\| Total ships planned = 8<ref name="TD1092022">{{cite web \|url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/taiwans-risky-submarine-aspiration/ \|title=Taiwan's Risky Submarine Aspiration \|last=Liao \|first=Holmes \|date=10 September 2022 \|website=The Diplomat \|access-date=}}</ref>
	\| Total ships completed =		\| Total ships completed =
	\| Total ships cancelled =		\| Total ships cancelled =
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	\| Hide header =		\| Hide header =
	\| Header caption =		\| Header caption =
			\| Ship type = ] ]
	\| Ship type = ] with new battery technologies, likely lithium-ion<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/taiwan-lays-keel-of-new-ids-submarine-for-roc-navy/\|title=Taiwan Lays Keel of New IDS Submarine for ROC Navy\|date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
	\| Ship displacement = *c. {{~~convert~~\|2500\|t}}		\| Ship displacement = *c. {{cvt\|2500\|t\|LT\|lk=on}}
	\| Ship length = c. 70 ~~meters~~		\| Ship length = c. {{cvt\|70\|m\|ftin}}
	\| Ship beam =		\| Ship beam =
	\| Ship draught =		\| Ship draught =
	\| Ship propulsion = *Diesel/electric (~~Lithium Ion~~ battery technology)		\| Ship propulsion = *Diesel/electric (] technology)<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/taiwan-lays-keel-of-new-ids-submarine-for-roc-navy/\|title=Taiwan Lays Keel of New IDS Submarine for ROC Navy\|date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
	\| Ship speed =		\| Ship speed =
	\| Ship range =		\| Ship range =
	\| Ship endurance =		\| Ship endurance =
			\| Ship test depth = {{cvt\|350\|-\|420\|m}}<ref name="NR1992023">{{cite web \|author= <!--not stated--> \|date=19 September 2023 \|title= Taiwan Navy to test its first indigenous submarine at end of month \|url=https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/september/13579-taiwan-navy-to-test-its-first-indigenous-submarine-at-end-of-month.html \| website= Navy Recognition \|location= \|access-date=}}</ref>
	\| Ship test depth =
	\| Ship complement =		\| Ship complement =
	\| Ship sensors =		\| Ship sensors =
	\| Ship EW =		\| Ship EW =
			\| Ship armament = *]
	\| ~~Ship armament = MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology heavyweight torpedoes;~~ UGM-84L ~~sub-launched~~ Harpoon ~~Block II~~ missiles<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/02/taiwan-denies-drafting-special-budgets-for-submarine-follow-ons-and-aegis-frigates/ \|title=Taiwan Denies Drafting Special Budgets for Submarine Follow-Ons and AEGIS Frigates \|last=Hsu \|first=Tso-Juei \|date=13 February 2023 \|website=Naval News \|access-date=}}</ref>		*]<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/02/taiwan-denies-drafting-special-budgets-for-submarine-follow-ons-and-aegis-frigates/ \|title=Taiwan Denies Drafting Special Budgets for Submarine Follow-Ons and AEGIS Frigates \|last=Hsu \|first=Tso-Juei \|date=13 February 2023 \|website=Naval News \|access-date=}}</ref>
	\| Ship notes =		\| Ship notes =
	}}		}}
	\|}		\|}

			The '''''Hai Kun''-class submarine''' ({{zh\|c=海鯤級潛艦}}, translation "]"<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Po-yang \|first1=Hsiao \|last2=Lung-chi \|first2=Su \|last3=Hsin-Yin \|first3=Lee \|title=Lawmakers call for investigation into indigenous submarine controversy \|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202309290021 \|website=focustaiwan.tw \|date=29 September 2023 \|publisher=Focus Taiwan \|access-date=29 September 2023}}</ref>), alternatively known as the '''Indigenous Defense Submarine''' (IDS) program, is a class of ]s built by ] for the ].<ref>{{Cite news \|date=28 September 2023 \|title=Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China \|language=en-GB \|work=BBC News \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66932808 \|access-date=29 September 2023}}</ref> While the ''Hai Kun'' class is thought to be based on the Dutch ], which ], the design has been brought up to date by incorporating many new and more modern systems.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Sutton \|first=H. I. \|date=2023-10-01 \|title=Taiwan's Hai Kun Class Submarine \|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Taiwan-Hai-Kun-Submarine.html \|access-date=2023-10-02 \|website=H I Sutton - Covert Shores}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/america-providing-advanced-systems-for-taiwan-new-submarine/ \|title= America Providing Advanced Systems For Taiwan's New Submarine \|author= H I Sutton \|date= 11 October 2023 \|website= Naval News }}</ref>
	The '''Indigenous Defense Submarine''' (IDS) Program is a ] project to develop and construct a class of ]s domestically for the ].

	==History==		==History==
			Since 2001, ] has been attempting to procure new submarines to bolster its aging underwater fleets, which consisted of two Dutch-built {{sclass\|Hai Lung\|submarine\|0}} submarines from the 1980s and two US-built ] that saw action in the ].<ref>{{Cite web \|url= https://thediplomat.com/2015/05/taiwans-submarine-saga/ \|title= Taiwan’s Submarine Saga \|author= Wang, Jyh-perng and Tan, Chih-lung \|date=11 May 2015\|website= The Diplomat}}</ref> In 2003, the US offered to provide the subs for Taiwan, but as the US has not been building ] submarines since the 1950s, and after an offer of eight refurbished ] ] submarines was declined by Taiwan due to their age, the attempt to acquire foreign-built submarines was set aside in favor of domestic options.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Cole \|first1=J. Michael \| url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/12/15/2003520765 \| title=Taiwan giving up on US subs, eyeing local plan: analyst \| publisher=Taipei Times \| date=15 December 2011 \| access-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref>
	With its two effective submarines being of Dutch design manufactured in the late 1980s, Taiwan has been trying to acquire more modern submarines for over 20-years; but the US only makes large nuclear submarines, and other sellers of conventional submarines have been scarce.

		⚫	The ] announced in 2014 that Taiwan will construct its own diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) with help from the ],<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/us-to-help-taiwan-build-attack-submarines/ \| title=US to Help Taiwan Build Attack Submarines. \| publisher=The Diplomat \| date=15 April 2014 \| access-date=30 October 2014 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006112257/https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/us-to-help-taiwan-build-attack-submarines/ \| archive-date=6 October 2014 \| url-status=live }}</ref> and in 2016 a submarine development center was established by ] to oversee the Indigenous Defense Submarine program under the code name "Hai Chang" ({{zh\|c=海昌}}).<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2016/08/03/taiwan-establishes-submarine-development-center/ \| title=Taiwan Establishes Submarine Development Center \| publisher=Defensenews \| date=4 August 2016 \| access-date=30 November 2021 }}</ref> In April 2018, ] ] approved the technology transfers that would enable Taiwan to build its own submarines,<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.newsweek.com/trump-china-test-taiwan-submarines-876440 \| title=Trump Testing China? President Gives Taiwan License to Buy American Submarines \| date=8 April 2018 \| first=Greg \| last=Price \| publisher=Newsweek \| access-date=8 April 2018 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408155011/http://www.newsweek.com/trump-china-test-taiwan-submarines-876440 \| archive-date=8 April 2018 \| url-status=live \| df=dmy-all }}</ref> and in the following years multiple design proposals from countries that reportedly includes ] and ] were considered.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2483811\|title=6廠商爭取潛艦國造細部設計傳日本、印度團隊赫然在列 - 政治 - 自由時報電子報\|website=news.ltn.com.tw\|access-date=31 December 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101002904/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2483811\|archive-date=1 January 2019\|url-status=live\|date=10 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-defence-idUSKBN1770CE\|title=Taiwan to build eight submarines under indigenous shipbuilding project\|date=5 April 2017\|via=www.reuters.com\|access-date=1 July 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521172144/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-defence-idUSKBN1770CE\|archive-date=21 May 2017\|url-status=live\|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/india-japan-to-submit-design-proposals-for-taiwans-new-indigenous-submarine/\|title=India, Japan to Submit Design Proposals for Taiwan's New Indigenous Submarine\|first=Franz-Stefan \|last=Gady\|website=The Diplomat\|access-date=12 July 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712221511/https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/india-japan-to-submit-design-proposals-for-taiwans-new-indigenous-submarine/\|archive-date=12 July 2018\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3698591 \| title=Model of Taiwan's domestically-made submarine\| date=10 May 2019}}</ref>
	===Italian submarine offer (2003)===
	In 2003 the US Government brokered an offer and suggested buying four (even older and smaller then the two bought in Netherlands) ] submarines from Italy which the Italians would completely refurbish). Italy reportedly also agreed to sell them an additional four other later vintage ''Sauro-class'' submarines at that time still on active duty with the Italian Navy, for a total of eight, following their eventual decommissioning by the ]. However, Taipei rejected this offer, saying it wanted newer submarines which are not older than what they have currently in service. In subsequent years no other solution was found.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Cole \|first1=J. Michael \| url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/12/15/2003520765 \| title=Taiwan giving up on US subs, eyeing local plan: analyst \| publisher=Taipei Times \| date=2011-12-15 \| access-date=2022-03-09 }}</ref>

	===~~Domestic options (2014)~~===		===Design===
			In May 2019, Taiwan revealed a scale model of its chosen design for an indigenous built diesel-electric attack submarine.<ref name="TD1092022" /> The boats will be assembled using Japanese construction techniques in Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web \|url= https://thediplomat.com/2018/09/taiwans-indigenous-submarine-force-to-be-based-on-european-design/ \|title= Taiwan’s Indigenous Submarine to Be Based on European Design \|author= Franz-Stefan Gady \|date=26 September 2018\|website= The Diplomat}}</ref> A Japanese team consisting of retired engineers from Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is believed to have provided technical support.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/taiwan-unveils-model-of-indigenously-designed-diesel-electric-attack-submarine/ \|title= Taiwan Unveils Model of Indigenously-Designed Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine \|author= Franz-Stefan Gady \|date=9 May 2019\|website= The Diplomat \|publisher= \|access-date= \|quote=}}</ref>
	While Taiwan was actively seeking to purchase diesel-electric submarines from other nations, it started considering the possibility of building the required eight submarines indigenously, after repeated failures to strike an overseas deal. A squadron of modern submarines would greatly improve the Navy's defensive capabilities. However, building submarines is a very daunting technological project. On 15 April 2014, the Defense Minister Yen Ming announced that the United States agreed to help Taiwan to construct its own diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs).<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/us-to-help-taiwan-build-attack-submarines/ \| title=US to Help Taiwan Build Attack Submarines. \| publisher=The Diplomat \| date=2014-04-15 \| access-date=2014-10-30 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006112257/https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/us-to-help-taiwan-build-attack-submarines/ \| archive-date=2014-10-06 \| url-status=live }}</ref>

			The design of the ''Hai Kun'' class is thought to be derived from the Dutch {{sclass\|Zwaardvis\|submarine\|4}}, which ], with some similarities to the Dutch {{sclass\|Walrus\|submarine\|4}} as well.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13340-taiwan-navy-s-prepares-to-receive-its-first-indigenous-submarine.html \|title= Taiwan Navy's prepares to receive its first indigenous submarine \|author=<!--Not stated--> \|date=12 July 2023 \|website= Navy Recognition }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Karremann \|first=Jaime \|date=20 November 2020 \|title=Bouw verre familie Nederlandse onderzeeboten volgende week van start in Taiwan \|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Taiwan-start-volgende-week-met-vervanger-onderzeeboten-Nederlandse-makelij-201120.html \|access-date= \|website=Marineschepen.nl \|language=Dutch}}</ref><ref name="TD2892023">{{cite web \|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/taiwans-launches-first-domestically-built-submarine \|title= Taiwan Launches First Domestically Built Submarine \|author= Thomas Newdick \|date=28 September 2023\|website= The Drive \|publisher= \|access-date= \|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Sutton \|first=H I \|date=22 May 2019 \|title=Taiwanese indigenous submarine program \|url=http://www.hisutton.com/ROCN_Submarine.html \|access-date= \|website=Covert Shores}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Taiwan-presenteert-nieuwe-onderzeeboot-280923.html \|title= Taiwan presenteert eerste nieuwe onderzeeboot \|author= Tobias Kappelle \|date=28 September 2023\|website= Marineschepen.nl \|publisher= \|access-date= \|language=Dutch}}</ref> The submarine features a hybrid double-single hull structure with a light outer hull, but replaces the cruciform control surfaces of the ''Zwaardvis'' class with the more prevalent X-form type rudders, resembling Japan's {{Sclass\|Sōryū\|submarine\|0}} and the Dutch ''Walrus''-class SSKs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web \|date=9 May 2019 \|title=Taiwan offers glimpse of home-built submarine designed to deter Beijing \|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3009573/taiwan-offers-glimpse-home-built-submarine-designed-deter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/09/taiwan-unveils-its-first-indigenous-defense-submarine/ \|title= Taiwan Unveils its First Indigenous Defense Submarine \|author= Curtis Lee \|date=28 September 2023\|website= Naval News \|publisher= \|access-date=}}</ref> It does not feature ] (AIP) and is believed to lack anechoic coating.<ref name=":0" /> When it comes to speed, the submarine will likely reach a surface speed of 8 knots and a submerged speed of 17 knots.<ref name="NR2102023">{{cite web \|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis/naval-technology/13621-analysis-taiwan-s-naval-milestone-launch-of-1st-indigenous-hai-kun-class-submarine.html \|title= Analysis: Taiwan's Naval Milestone: Launch of 1st Indigenous Hai Kun-class submarine \|author= <!--Not stated--> \|date=2 October 2023\|website= Navy Recognition \|publisher= \|access-date=}}</ref> In addition, it has a expected range of up to 11,000 kilometers.<ref name="NR2102023" /> The boats are estimated to weigh between 2,460 and 2,950 tons and be around {{convert\|260\|ft\|m\|2}} in length.<ref>{{Cite web \|url= https://www.naval-technology.com/news/taiwans-submarine-programme-is-a-vital-deterrence-against-china/ \|title= Taiwan’s submarine programme is a vital deterrence against China \|author= Harry McNeil \|date=29 August 2024\|website= Naval Technology}}</ref> ] was awarded a contract to build eight submarines.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Banks \|first1=Martin \|title=In Face of Chinese 'Aggression' Taiwan Beefs Up its Own Defenses \|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/2019/05/01/in-face-of-chinese-aggression-taiwan-beefs-up-its-own-defenses/ \|website=intpolicydigest.org \|date=May 2019 \|publisher=International Policy Digest \|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> The initial project contract is for US$3.3 billion with projected procurement costs of US$10bn for a fleet of ten boats.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Jennings \|first1=Ralph \|title=Taiwan breaks ground to build its own submarines \|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-taiwan-china-submarines-20190509-story.html \|website=] \|date=9 May 2019 \|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> The first submarine of the class, ''Hai Kun'', is estimated to have cost ~$1.54 billion dollars.<ref name="TD2892023" /><ref name="RADiplomat3092023">{{cite web \|url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/taiwans-new-submarines-will-be-a-mixed-blessing/ \|title= Taiwan's New Submarines Will Be a Mixed Blessing \|author= Rowan Allport \|date= 30 September 2023\|website= The Diplomat \|publisher= \|access-date=}}</ref> Close to more than 40% of the components are of domestic origin.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-reveals-first-homegrown-submarine-defence-milestone-2023-09-28/ \|title= Taiwan reveals first domestically made submarine in defence milestone \|author= Carlos Garcia, Walid Berrazeg and Sarah Wu \|date=28 September 2023\|website= Reuters \|publisher= \|access-date=}}</ref>
	On 4 August 2016, ] formally established a submarine development center to consolidate and run the Indigenous Defense Submarine program under the code name (海昌, "Hai Chang").<ref>{{cite news \| url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2016/08/03/taiwan-establishes-submarine-development-center/ \| title=Taiwan Establishes Submarine Development Center \| publisher=Defensenews \| date=2016-08-04 \| access-date=2021-11-30 }}</ref>

		⚫	In October 2019 it was reported that construction of the class would commence at the Heping Island yard in Keelung (Northeast Taiwan) rather than in Kaohsiung (Southwest Taiwan).<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Deaeth \|first1=Duncan \|title=Heping Island in N. Taiwan likely site for indigenous submarine project \|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3797714 \|website=www.taiwannews.com.tw \|date=17 October 2019 \|publisher=Taiwan News \|access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> Later in October 2019 it was reported that personnel working on the project were forbidden from traveling to or transiting through ] or ] (their travel to Mainland China had already been restricted) due to security concerns.<ref name="TN Jensen">{{cite web \|last1=Jensen \|first1=Sally \|title=Travel to Hong Kong or Macau restricted for Taiwan submarine personnel \|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3805026 \|website=www.taiwannews.com.tw \|date=28 October 2019 \|publisher=Taiwan News \|access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref>
	===US technology transfer (2018)===
⚫	In April 2018, ] ] approved the ~~license~~ ~~necessary~~ ~~for~~ ~~American~~ ~~firms to sell~~ Taiwan ~~the technology needed~~ to build its own submarines.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.newsweek.com/trump-china-test-taiwan-submarines-876440 \| title=Trump Testing China? President Gives Taiwan License to Buy American Submarines \| date=8 April 2018 \| first=Greg \| last=Price \| publisher=Newsweek \| access-date=8 April 2018 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408155011/http://www.newsweek.com/trump-china-test-taiwan-submarines-876440 \| archive-date=8 April 2018 \| url-status=live \| df=dmy-all }}</ref> In ~~July~~ ~~2018,~~ it ~~was~~ ~~reported~~<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2483811\|title=6廠商爭取潛艦國造細部設計傳日本、印度團隊赫然在列 - 政治 - 自由時報電子報\|website=news.ltn.com.tw\|access-date=2018~~-12-31~~\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101002904/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/2483811\|archive-date=2019~~-01-01~~\|url-status=live\|date=2018~~-07-10~~}}</ref> ~~that a company from India and a defense contractor from Japan had submitted design proposals for the Indigenous Defense Submarine program~~<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-defence-idUSKBN1770CE\|title=Taiwan to build eight submarines under indigenous shipbuilding project\|date=5 April 2017\|via=www.reuters.com\|access-date=1 July 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521172144/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-defence-idUSKBN1770CE\|archive-date=21 May 2017\|url-status=live~~\|df=dmy-all~~\|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> ~~alongside two companies from the United States and another two from Europe. French Naval group is believed to have been the chosen company.~~<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/india-japan-to-submit-design-proposals-for-taiwans-new-indigenous-submarine/\|title=India, Japan to Submit Design Proposals for Taiwan's New Indigenous Submarine\|first=Franz-Stefan ~~Gady, The~~\|last=~~Diplomat~~\|website=The Diplomat\|access-date=~~2018-07-~~12\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712221511/https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/india-japan-to-submit-design-proposals-for-taiwans-new-indigenous-submarine/\|archive-date=~~2018-07-~~12\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3698591 \| title=Model of Taiwan's domestically-made submarine\| date=10 May 2019}}</ref>

	==~~Design~~==		===Construction===
		⚫	In May 2020, the United States Department of State approved the sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment to Taiwan for an estimated cost of $180 million.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-12 \|title=MK 48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT) Defense Security Cooperation Agency \|date=20 May 2020 \|access-date=14 June 2023}}</ref>
	In May 2019, Taiwan revealed a scale model of its chosen design for an indigenous built diesel-electric attack submarine.<ref name="TD1092022" /> The external design appears to resemble Japan's ] SSKs by having an X-form rudder.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3009573/taiwan-offers-glimpse-home-built-submarine-designed-deter\|title=Taiwan offers glimpse of home-built submarine designed to deter Beijing\|date=9 May 2019}}</ref> The boats will be assembled using Japanese construction techniques in Taiwan. A Japanese team consisting of retired engineers from Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is believed to have provided technical support. Reportedly, a version of the ], used in US Navy nuclear submarines, is being offered to Taiwan. Also some influence in design is thought to have come from Dutch submarines currently operated by Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/taiwan-unveils-model-of-indigenously-designed-diesel-electric-attack-submarine/ \| title=Taiwan Unveils Model of Indigenously-Designed Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/taiwan/hai-lung-2-indigenous.htm \| title=Hidden Dragon / Indigenous Defense Submarine}}</ref> As a result the design shows several similarities with the Dutch ] and ] class submarines.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Taiwan-start-volgende-week-met-vervanger-onderzeeboten-Nederlandse-makelij-201120.html \|title=Bouw verre familie Nederlandse onderzeeboten volgende week van start in Taiwan \|last=Karremann \|first=Jaime \|date=20 November 2020 \|website=Marineschepen.nl \|language=Dutch \|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.hisutton.com/ROCN_Submarine.html \|title=Taiwanese indigenous submarine program \|last=Sutton \|first=H I \|date=22 May 2019 \|website=Covert Shores \|access-date=}}</ref> The vessels are estimated to be in the ~2,500-ton class and 70m in length.<ref name="TN Jensen">{{cite web \|last1=Jensen \|first1=Sally \|title=Travel to Hong Kong or Macau restricted for Taiwan submarine personnel \|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3805026 \|website=www.taiwannews.com.tw \|date=28 October 2019 \|publisher=Taiwan News \|access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> ] was awarded a contract to build eight submarines.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Banks \|first1=Martin \|title=In Face of Chinese 'Aggression' Taiwan Beefs Up its Own Defenses \|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/2019/05/01/in-face-of-chinese-aggression-taiwan-beefs-up-its-own-defenses/ \|website=intpolicydigest.org \|date=May 2019 \|publisher=International Policy Digest \|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> The initial project contract is for US$3.3 billion with projected procurement costs of US$10bn for a fleet of ten boats.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Jennings \|first1=Ralph \|title=Taiwan breaks ground to build its own submarines \|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-taiwan-china-submarines-20190509-story.html \|website=] \|date=9 May 2019 \|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref>

		⚫	In November 2020, ] opened the submarine construction facility in Kaohsiung (not Keelung) with plans to build eight submarines. Construction was to begin with a prototype boat which was to be built over 78 months. Anticipated delivery was in 2025, though a 78-month build time suggested a somewhat later delivery.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3111780/taiwan-starts-building-its-own-submarines-despite-questions\|title = Taiwan starts building its own submarine fleet\|date = 29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37840/taiwan-is-finally-set-to-build-the-new-diesel-electric-submarines-it-desperately-needs\|title = Taiwan is Finally Set to Build the New Diesel-Electric Submarines It Desperately Needs\| date=25 November 2020 }}</ref> Between December 2020 and February 2021, the United States reportedly approved the export of three key systems to Taiwan for the program: digital sonar systems, integrated combat systems and auxiliary equipment systems (periscopes).<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-gives-taiwan-a-boost-with-submarine-technology-sales-2021-3\|title = Biden gives Taiwan a boost with submarine technology it can't build on its own\|website = ]}}</ref>
⚫	In October 2019 it was reported that construction of the class would commence at the Heping Island yard in Keelung (~~N.E.~~ Taiwan) rather than in Kaohsiung (~~S.W.~~ Taiwan).<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Deaeth \|first1=Duncan \|title=Heping Island in N. Taiwan likely site for indigenous submarine project \|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3797714 \|website=www.taiwannews.com.tw \|date=17 October 2019 \|publisher=Taiwan News \|access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> Later in October 2019 it was reported that personnel working on the project were forbidden from traveling to or transiting through ] or ] (their travel to Mainland China had already been restricted) due to security concerns.<ref name="TN Jensen" />

		⚫	In 2021 it was announced that the production timeline had been moved up with the prototype vessel expected to be launched in September 2023.<ref name="keel_laid">{{cite web \|last1=Hsu \|first1=Tso-Juei \|title=Taiwan's First Indigenous Submarine To Be Launched Ahead Of Schedule \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/taiwans-first-indigenous-submarine-to-be-launched-ahead-of-schedule/ \|website=www.navalnews.com \|date=25 July 2021 \|publisher=Naval News \|access-date=6 October 2021}}</ref> The ceremonial keel laying of the lead boat was reported to have occurred in November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|last1=Vavasseur\|first1=Xavier\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/taiwan-lays-keel-of-new-ids-submarine-for-roc-navy/\|website=www.navalnews.com\|title=Taiwan Lays Keel of New IDS Submarine for ROC Navy\|date=16 November 2021}}</ref> In mid-2022 it was reported that the launch of the first submarine remained on track for September 2023.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/07/13/taiwan-to-launch-first-domestic-submarine-next-september/ \|title=Taiwan To Launch First Domestic Submarine Next September \|last=Wong \|first=Lia \|work=Overtdefense.com \|date=13 July 2022 \|access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> The date for service entry was still envisaged as 2025.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4595788 \| title=Taiwan's 1st domestically-made submarine expected to be launched next September \|work=Taiwan News \|date=13 July 2022}}</ref>
	==Construction==
⚫	In May 2020, the United States Department of State approved the sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment to Taiwan for an estimated cost of $180 million.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-12 \|title=MK 48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT) Defense Security Cooperation Agency \|date=20 May 2020 \|~~accessdate~~=14 June 2023}}</ref>

		⚫	In November 2021 Reuters reported that Taiwan had recruited engineers and retired submariners from the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, India, Spain and Canada to work on the program and advise the navy.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Saito \|first1=Mari \|last2=Lee \|first2=Yimou \|last3=Park \|first3=Ju-Min \|last4=Kelly \|first4=Tim \|last5=Macaskill \|first5=Andrew \|last6=Wu \|first6=Sarah \|last7=Lague \|first7=David \|title=Silent partners \|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/taiwan-china-submarines/ \|work=Reuters \|access-date=30 November 2021}}</ref>
⚫	In November 2020, ] opened the submarine construction facility in Kaohsiung (not Keelung) with plans to build eight submarines. Construction was to begin with a prototype boat which was to be built over 78 months. Anticipated delivery was in 2025, though a 78-month build time suggested a somewhat later delivery.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3111780/taiwan-starts-building-its-own-submarines-despite-questions\|title = Taiwan starts building its own submarine fleet\|date = 29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37840/taiwan-is-finally-set-to-build-the-new-diesel-electric-submarines-it-desperately-needs\|title = Taiwan is Finally Set to Build the New Diesel-Electric Submarines It Desperately Needs\| date=25 November 2020 }}</ref> Between December 2020 and February 2021, the United States reportedly approved the export of three key systems to Taiwan for the program: digital sonar systems, integrated combat systems and auxiliary equipment systems (periscopes).<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-gives-taiwan-a-boost-with-submarine-technology-sales-2021-3\|title = Biden gives Taiwan a boost with submarine technology it can't build on its own\|website = ]}}</ref>

		⚫	The UK government has granted licenses to companies to export some £167 million worth of submarine technology and parts to Taiwan, more than the prior six years of investment since 2017 combined. Current and former UK officials have warned against disclosing specific information about support given to Taiwan publicly.<ref>{{cite news \|first1=Andrew \|last1=Macaskill \|first2=Elizabeth \|last2=Piper \|title= Exclusive: UK approves increased submarine-related exports to Taiwan, risking angering China \|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-approves-increased-submarine-related-exports-taiwan-risking-angering-china-2023-03-13/ \|work=Reuters \|date=13 March 2023 \|access-date=13 March 2023}}</ref>
⚫	In 2021 it was announced that the production timeline had been moved up with the prototype vessel expected to be launched in September 2023.<ref name="keel_laid">{{cite web \|last1=Hsu \|first1=Tso-Juei \|title=Taiwan's First Indigenous Submarine To Be Launched Ahead Of Schedule \|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/taiwans-first-indigenous-submarine-to-be-launched-ahead-of-schedule/ \|website=www.navalnews.com \|date=25 July 2021 \|publisher=Naval News \|access-date=6 October 2021}}</ref> The ceremonial keel laying of the lead boat was reported to have occurred in November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|last1=Vavasseur\|first1=Xavier\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/taiwan-lays-keel-of-new-ids-submarine-for-roc-navy/\|website=www.navalnews.com\|title=Taiwan Lays Keel of New IDS Submarine for ROC Navy\|date=16 November 2021}}</ref> In mid-2022 it was reported that the launch of the first submarine remained on track for September 2023.<ref>https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/07/13/taiwan-to-launch-first-domestic-submarine-next-september/</ref> The date for service entry was still envisaged as 2025.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4595788 \| title=Taiwan's 1st domestically-made submarine expected to be launched next September ~~\|~~ Taiwan News ~~\| 2022-07-13 15:01:00~~ \| date=13 July 2022 }}</ref>

		⚫	In May 2023 CSBC Corp. announced that the prototype would undergo final tests in September of that year.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202305140013 \|title=First domestically manufactured submarine prepares for final tests \|last1=Yu \|first1=Matt \|date=14 May 2023 \|website=focustaiwan.tw \|publisher=CNA \|access-date=14 June 2023}}</ref>
⚫	In November 2021 Reuters reported that Taiwan had recruited engineers and retired submariners from the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, India, Spain and Canada to work on the program and advise the navy.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=~~SAITO~~ \|first1=~~MARI~~ \|last2=~~LEE~~ \|first2=~~YIMOU~~ \|last3=~~PARK~~ \|first3=JU-~~MIN~~ \|last4=~~KELLY~~ \|first4=~~TIM~~ \|last5=~~MACASKILL~~ \|first5=~~ANDREW~~ \|last6=WU \|first6=~~SARAH~~ \|last7=~~LAGUE~~ \|first7=~~DAVID~~ \|title=Silent partners \|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/taiwan-china-submarines/ \|~~website=www.reuters.com \|agency~~=Reuters \|access-date=30 November 2021}}</ref>

			On 21 September 2023, the launch date was confirmed to be 28 September 2023, and the name of the first boat and hull number were announced. The first boat will be named ''Hai Kun'', after a mythological fish mentioned in the ancient Chinese text ], written during the ] by ], which was described as being of an unfathomable size. The ] was given as SS-711, as the existing numbers remaining if continued from the ''Hai Lung''-class's ''Hai Hu'' (SS-794) would not accommodate the planned eight boats.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://def.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/4434950 \|title=潛艦原型艦傳命名「海鯤」配18枚MK-48重型魚雷戰力強大 \|last1=Luo \|first1=Tianbin \|website=def.ltn.com.tw \|access-date=21 September 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922041543/https://def.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/4434950 \|archive-date=22 September 2023 \|url-status=live \|date=22 September 2023}}</ref> After launch harbor acceptance trials will start on 1 October 2023 and preliminary evaluations are expected to be completed by 1 April 2024.<ref name="NR1992023" />
⚫	The UK government has granted licenses to companies to export some 167 million ~~pounds~~ worth of submarine technology and parts to Taiwan, more than the prior six years of investment since 2017 combined. Current and former UK officials have warned against disclosing specific information about support given to Taiwan publicly.<ref>{{cite news \|~~author1~~=Andrew Macaskill \|~~author2~~=Elizabeth Piper \|title= Exclusive: UK approves increased submarine-related exports to Taiwan, risking angering China \|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-approves-increased-submarine-related-exports-taiwan-risking-angering-china-2023-03-13/ \|~~website=www.reuters.com \|agency~~=Reuters \|date=13 March 2023 \|access-date=13 March 2023}}</ref>

			Following the launch, ] politician ] was publicly accused of attempting to hinder Taiwan's domestic submarine program through outing foreign individuals involved in the program and through providing information on the program to the People's Republic of China. Following comments by the head of the submarine program about an unspecified legislator who had interfered with the program Ma posted on Facebook “If you name me, I’ll have to sue you” following which she was named by her legislative colleagues.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Howard \|first1=Sam \|title=KMT legislator accused of leaking secrets on Taiwan's new submarine to China \|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5010970 \|website=taiwannews.com.tw \|date=30 September 2023 \|publisher=Taiwan News \|access-date=30 September 2023}}</ref>
⚫	In May 2023 CSBC Corp. announced that the prototype would undergo final tests in September of that year.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202305140013 \|title=First domestically manufactured submarine prepares for final tests \|last1=Yu \|first1=Matt \|date=14 May 2023 \|website=focustaiwan.tw \|publisher=CNA \|~~accessdate~~=14 June 2023}}</ref>

			According to a report by a Ma Wen-Chun to the ] on 3 January 2024, former ]'s submarine designers, who are under investigation by ] for leaking design drawings of Korean ] submarines to Taiwan, are participating in submarine development after signing a contract with CSBC.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/2024010301191\|title= '잠수함 도면' 대만에 통째 유출…회사도 몰랐다\|publisher=]\|date=3 January 2024\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103204941/https://www.hankyung.com/article/2024010301191\|archivedate=3 January 2024\|accessdate=3 January 2024\|author=Cho Chul-o, Kim Woo-sub}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5072694\|title=S Korean media stirs controversy around Taiwan submarine program ahead of election\|publisher=Taiwan News\|date=5 January 2024\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106024747/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5072694\|archivedate=6 January 2024\|accessdate=6 January 2024\|author=Duncan DeAeth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.chosun.com/english/companies-en/2024/01/05/LVMPFNK6S5GFROXV2YG65ES5BU/\|title=Korean shipbuilder’s submarine designs leaked to Taiwan\|publisher=]\|date=5 January 2024\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106023350/https://www.chosun.com/english/companies-en/2024/01/05/LVMPFNK6S5GFROXV2YG65ES5BU/\|archivedate=6 January 2024\|accessdate=6 January 2024\|author=Park Jeong-yeop, Lee So-yeon}}</ref>

			In February 2024 it was reported that the ''Hai Kun'' is set to undergo a crucial phase of its harbor acceptance tests.<ref name="NR26022024">{{cite web \|url=https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2024/february/14084-taiwan-first-indigenous-submarine-hai-kun-to-undergo-new-trials.html \|title= Taiwan first indigenous submarine Hai Kun to undergo new trials \|author= <!--Not stated--> \|date=26 February 2024\|website= Navy Recognition}}</ref> In May 2024 it was reported that the delivery of the optronic masts destined for the ''Hai Kun'' submarine were facing delay.<ref>{{Cite web \|url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/05/taiwans-new-submarine-ready-for-sea-trials-following-delayed-optronic-mast-delivery/ \|title= Taiwan’s New Submarine Ready for Sea Trials Following Delayed Optronic Mast Delivery \|author= Tso-Juei Hsu \|date=24 May 2024\|website= Naval News}}</ref>

	==Boats==		==Boats==
Line 91:		Line 94:
	! style= "text-align:left \|Commissioned		! style= "text-align:left \|Commissioned
	\|-		\|-
			\| ''Hai Kun''<ref>{{Cite web \|url= https://thediplomat.com/2023/10/taiwans-homegrown-submarine-at-the-center-of-political-firestorm/ \|title= Taiwan’s Homegrown Submarine at the Center of Political Firestorm \|author= Brian Hioe \|date=14 October 2023\|website= The Diplomat}}</ref> (海鯤)
	\| TBC
			\| SS-711<ref name="NR26022024" />
	\| 1168 (yard number)
	\| ], ]		\| ], ]
	\| 16 November 2021<ref name="keel_laid" />		\| 16 November 2021<ref name="keel_laid" />
			\| 28 September 2023
	\| TBC
	\| TBC		\| TBC
	\|-		\|-
Line 106:		Line 109:
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

			== See also ==
			* ]
			* ]

			=== Submarines of similar comparison ===
			* {{sclass\|Blekinge\|submarine\|1}} is a class of submarine developed by ] for the ]
			* {{sclass\|Dakar\|submarine\|1}} - A unique class of diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and currently being built for Israel.
			* {{sclass\|Dolphin\|submarine\|1}} - A class of extensively-customised diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and currently operated by ].
			* {{sclass2\|Scorpène\|submarine\|1}} - A class of export-oriented diesel-electric attack-submarines, jointly developed by ] and ] and currently operated by the ], the ], the ] and the ].
			* ] - A class of conventionally-powered attack-submarines, currently being built by Navantia for the ].
			* ] - A class of diesel-electric attack and ]s, built by ] and ] and operated by the ].
			* {{sclass2\|Lada\|submarine\|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines being built for the ].
			* {{sclass\|Taigei\|submarine\|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack submarines currently being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and ] for the ]
			* ] - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines operated by the ] (China) and being built for the navies of the ] and the ].
			* ] - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by ] and exclusively built for the ], the ] and the ].
			* ] - A class of export-oriented diesel-electric attack-submarines, also developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and currently operated by the ], the ], the ] and the ].
			* ] - A class of extensively-customised diesel-electric attack-submarines developed ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and currently operated by the ].

	==References==		==References==
Line 112:		Line 133:
	]		]
	]		]
			]
			]

Latest revision as of 05:39, 5 December 2024

Class of attack submarine

Class overview
Launch ceremony of ROCS Hai Kun
Name	Hai Kun
Builders	CSBC Corporation, Taiwan
Operators	Republic of China Navy
Preceded by	Hai Lung class
Built	2020–onward
In commission	From 2025 (planned)
Planned	8
Building	1
General characteristics
Type	Diesel-electric attack submarine
Displacement	c. 2,500 t (2,500 long tons)
Length	c. 70 m (229 ft 8 in)
Propulsion	Diesel/electric (lithium-ion battery technology)
Test depth	350–420 m (1,150–1,380 ft)
Armament	MK 48 Mod6 AT torpedoes UGM-84L Harpoon missiles

The Hai Kun-class submarine (Chinese: 海鯤級潛艦, translation "Narwhal"), alternatively known as the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program, is a class of attack submarines built by CSBC Corporation, Taiwan for the Republic of China Navy. While the Hai Kun class is thought to be based on the Dutch Zwaardvis class, which is currently operated by Taiwan, the design has been brought up to date by incorporating many new and more modern systems.

History

Since 2001, Taiwan has been attempting to procure new submarines to bolster its aging underwater fleets, which consisted of two Dutch-built Hai Lung-class submarines from the 1980s and two US-built GUPPY-class submarines that saw action in the Second World War. In 2003, the US offered to provide the subs for Taiwan, but as the US has not been building diesel-powered submarines since the 1950s, and after an offer of eight refurbished Italian Nazario Sauro-class submarines was declined by Taiwan due to their age, the attempt to acquire foreign-built submarines was set aside in favor of domestic options.

The Ministry of National Defense announced in 2014 that Taiwan will construct its own diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) with help from the United States, and in 2016 a submarine development center was established by CSBC Corporation, Taiwan to oversee the Indigenous Defense Submarine program under the code name "Hai Chang" (Chinese: 海昌). In April 2018, President Donald Trump approved the technology transfers that would enable Taiwan to build its own submarines, and in the following years multiple design proposals from countries that reportedly includes India and Japan were considered.

Design

In May 2019, Taiwan revealed a scale model of its chosen design for an indigenous built diesel-electric attack submarine. The boats will be assembled using Japanese construction techniques in Taiwan. A Japanese team consisting of retired engineers from Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is believed to have provided technical support.

The design of the Hai Kun class is thought to be derived from the Dutch Zwaardvis class, which is currently operated by Taiwan, with some similarities to the Dutch Walrus class as well. The submarine features a hybrid double-single hull structure with a light outer hull, but replaces the cruciform control surfaces of the Zwaardvis class with the more prevalent X-form type rudders, resembling Japan's Sōryū-class and the Dutch Walrus-class SSKs. It does not feature air independent power (AIP) and is believed to lack anechoic coating. When it comes to speed, the submarine will likely reach a surface speed of 8 knots and a submerged speed of 17 knots. In addition, it has a expected range of up to 11,000 kilometers. The boats are estimated to weigh between 2,460 and 2,950 tons and be around 260 feet (79.25 m) in length. CSBC Corporation, Taiwan was awarded a contract to build eight submarines. The initial project contract is for US$3.3 billion with projected procurement costs of US$10bn for a fleet of ten boats. The first submarine of the class, Hai Kun, is estimated to have cost ~$1.54 billion dollars. Close to more than 40% of the components are of domestic origin.

In October 2019 it was reported that construction of the class would commence at the Heping Island yard in Keelung (Northeast Taiwan) rather than in Kaohsiung (Southwest Taiwan). Later in October 2019 it was reported that personnel working on the project were forbidden from traveling to or transiting through Macao or Hong Kong (their travel to Mainland China had already been restricted) due to security concerns.

Construction

In May 2020, the United States Department of State approved the sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment to Taiwan for an estimated cost of $180 million.

In November 2020, President Tsai Ing-wen opened the submarine construction facility in Kaohsiung (not Keelung) with plans to build eight submarines. Construction was to begin with a prototype boat which was to be built over 78 months. Anticipated delivery was in 2025, though a 78-month build time suggested a somewhat later delivery. Between December 2020 and February 2021, the United States reportedly approved the export of three key systems to Taiwan for the program: digital sonar systems, integrated combat systems and auxiliary equipment systems (periscopes).

In 2021 it was announced that the production timeline had been moved up with the prototype vessel expected to be launched in September 2023. The ceremonial keel laying of the lead boat was reported to have occurred in November 2021. In mid-2022 it was reported that the launch of the first submarine remained on track for September 2023. The date for service entry was still envisaged as 2025.

In November 2021 Reuters reported that Taiwan had recruited engineers and retired submariners from the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, India, Spain and Canada to work on the program and advise the navy.

The UK government has granted licenses to companies to export some £167 million worth of submarine technology and parts to Taiwan, more than the prior six years of investment since 2017 combined. Current and former UK officials have warned against disclosing specific information about support given to Taiwan publicly.

In May 2023 CSBC Corp. announced that the prototype would undergo final tests in September of that year.

On 21 September 2023, the launch date was confirmed to be 28 September 2023, and the name of the first boat and hull number were announced. The first boat will be named Hai Kun, after a mythological fish mentioned in the ancient Chinese text Zhuangzi, written during the Warring States period by Zhuang Zhou, which was described as being of an unfathomable size. The hull number was given as SS-711, as the existing numbers remaining if continued from the Hai Lung-class's Hai Hu (SS-794) would not accommodate the planned eight boats. After launch harbor acceptance trials will start on 1 October 2023 and preliminary evaluations are expected to be completed by 1 April 2024.

Following the launch, Kuomintang politician Ma Wen-chun was publicly accused of attempting to hinder Taiwan's domestic submarine program through outing foreign individuals involved in the program and through providing information on the program to the People's Republic of China. Following comments by the head of the submarine program about an unspecified legislator who had interfered with the program Ma posted on Facebook “If you name me, I’ll have to sue you” following which she was named by her legislative colleagues.

According to a report by a Ma Wen-Chun to the Korean Mission in Taipei on 3 January 2024, former Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's submarine designers, who are under investigation by South Korean police for leaking design drawings of Korean DSME-1400 submarines to Taiwan, are participating in submarine development after signing a contract with CSBC.

In February 2024 it was reported that the Hai Kun is set to undergo a crucial phase of its harbor acceptance tests. In May 2024 it was reported that the delivery of the optronic masts destined for the Hai Kun submarine were facing delay.

Boats

Name	Hull number	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned
Hai Kun (海鯤)	SS-711	CSBC, Kaohsiung	16 November 2021	28 September 2023	TBC
TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC

References

^ Rowan Allport (30 September 2023). "Taiwan's New Submarines Will Be a Mixed Blessing". The Diplomat.
^ Liao, Holmes (10 September 2022). "Taiwan's Risky Submarine Aspiration". The Diplomat.
"Taiwan Lays Keel of New IDS Submarine for ROC Navy". 16 November 2021.
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