Taiwan has set its sights on an extraordinary naval endeavour: the construction of eight advanced submarines, a crucial element in the island’s strategic plan for deterrence. These vessels symbolize Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its self-defence capabilities. Recently, Taiwan celebrated a historic milestone as President Tsai Ing-wen inaugurated the maiden domestically manufactured submarine, named Haikun, a reference to the captivating “mythical sea creature.”
This event unfolded in the picturesque harbour of Kaohsiung, the bustling southern port city of Taiwan, where the vessel will undergo rigorous seaworthiness trials in the weeks ahead.
“In the past, a domestically produced submarine was deemed an unattainable dream, but today, a submarine meticulously designed and constructed by our compatriots stands before you,” President Tsai proudly declared during the ceremony.
Should all proceed according to plan, the inaugural submarine is slated for delivery by the conclusion of 2024, with a second vessel scheduled for completion by 2027. The creation of these submarines comes at a substantial cost, with the first one bearing a price tag of $1.54 billion. Nonetheless, Taiwan considers this expenditure justified in safeguarding the island and its surrounding territories against potential threats posed by China’s formidable navy.
The significance of these submarines is twofold. Firstly, they serve as a formidable deterrent against China’s naval ambitions. By enhancing Taiwan’s naval capabilities, these submarines can deter China from encircling Taiwan and severing its external supply lines, a move that could be a prelude to an attack or invasion. Additionally, they help fortify the First Island Chain—a strategic defensive boundary linking Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia—hindering any Chinese attempts to bypass it.
The overarching objective behind Taiwan’s defence strategy is to raise the costs of any potential attack to an unpalatable level, rendering it economically impractical for aggressors. While Taiwan’s military might pales in comparison to China’s, its strategy prioritizes making any assault as challenging and costly as possible.
The new submarine fleet consists of eight diesel-powered vessels, intended to bolster Taiwan’s existing navy, which currently relies on two Dutch-made models dating back to the 1980s and a World War II-era US submarine used exclusively for training purposes. These advanced submarines will feature state-of-the-art Lockheed Martin Corp combat systems and US-manufactured MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes, enhancing their effectiveness and combat readiness.
The tension between Taiwan and China stems from Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is a renegade province. China has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim the island, a prospect that remains a cause for concern. Analysts speculate that China’s formidable People’s Liberation Army could potentially be capable of launching an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, although this does not necessarily indicate immediate action.
One compelling reason for Taiwan to embark on its indigenous submarine program is to reduce its dependence on foreign military technology. While Taiwan does purchase many of its defence systems from the United States, the goal of this initiative is to enhance Taiwan’s self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The island has historically encountered difficulties in procuring critical defence technology, particularly for submarines, due to its diplomatic isolation.
Notably, seven countries have reportedly contributed technology and expertise to support Taiwan’s submarine project. This international cooperation underscores the global concern surrounding China’s expansion into the Pacific region.
The Taiwan Strait, a vital 180-kilometer waterway dividing Taiwan from mainland Asia, ranks among the world’s busiest shipping routes. Any military blockade in this region would have profound global repercussions.