The indigenous Hai Kun submarine does not have a confirmed date to begin its sea acceptance test originally scheduled for this month, as shipbuilders work to correct some shortcomings, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said today.
The submarine’s sea trials were originally scheduled to begin this month, but shipbuilder CSBC Corp is still working to correct some issues that have appeared, Koo told reporters before a meeting at the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
The sea acceptance test would only proceed once all safety requirements are fully met, Koo said, adding that there is no definitive schedule at the moment.
Photo: Lee Hui-chou, Taipei Times
Asked whether a delay in testing would lead to fines for CSBC Corp, Koo said that as long as the vessel’s delivery date in November remains in place, there would be no issues.
Koo also faced questions regarding letters from the Ministry of National Defense to six temples in Taichung about requesting use of their space, which was confirmed by officials within the Taichung City Government.
Rumors that the temples would be used for storing ammunition were a “misunderstanding,” Koo said.
The letters were to request space for resting troops, not storing weapons or ammunition, Koo said.
The armed forces would clarify their intentions and review the situation to avoid future miscommunications, he added.
Additional reporting by Fang Wei-li
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