TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's first domestically built submarine Haikun (海鯤號) will advance to buoyancy testing before proceeding to crucial submerged trials, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) confirmed Tuesday (Sept. 16). The submarine has successfully completed essential system performance corrections and critical watertight tests below the waterline, ensuring operational safety for subsequent testing phases. These preliminary evaluations represent a significant milestone in Taiwan's ambitious indigenous submarine development program.
Adm. Chiu underscored the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols and quality standards throughout the testing process, particularly given sustained public attention surrounding the submarine's development progress. The admiral stressed the necessity of conducting thorough, meticulous evaluations to ensure the vessel meets Taiwan's exacting military specifications. Public interest in the groundbreaking project continues to intensify as the submarine advances through various testing phases.
Budget constraints impose significant additional complexity on the ambitious submarine development project. A substantial 50% budget freeze affecting the submarine program in fiscal year 2025 requires the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) to seek approval from the Legislative Yuan's (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee (外交及國防委員會) once Haikun completes sea trials. The Navy maintains rigorous project oversight in accordance with contractual obligations, ensuring CSBC Corp., Taiwan (台船) adheres to established construction standards and specifications.
Haikun's transfer from dry dock to Pier 91 at Kaohsiung Port on Sept. 2 represented a pivotal operational milestone, though a scheduled shallow dive on Sept. 5 did not proceed as planned. The submarine achieved a significant breakthrough June 17 when it initially set sail for sea trials, originally scheduled for September completion. Naval leadership remains steadfastly committed to maintaining stringent safety protocols and quality assurance throughout all testing phases, ultimately aiming for successful project completion and delivery. ◼