Taiwan is implementing a strategy to ensure the domestic production of key components for Hai Kun-class submarines, CSBC Corp, Taiwan said yesterday, after revealing that the prototype has partially completed its dive testing.
Speaking at a news conference in Taipei, CSBC general manager Tsai Kun-tsung (蔡坤宗) said that the Hai Kun (海鯤) — the prototype and lead boat of its class — has surpassed the targets for snorkel and periscope dive depth targets and is capable of submerging to “tens of meters” underwater.
The project team is working toward delivering the submarine to the navy by June, but safety and quality would not be compromised, he said.
Photo: Lee Hui-chou, Taipei Times
Torpedo tubes have proved to be a bottleneck in forging secure supply chains for the indigenous submarine program’s follow-up vessels, Tsai said.
Taiwanese companies that possess the technological prowess to produce the critical components exist, but many are hesitant to be part of a high-profile defense project to avoid angering China, Tsai said.
CSBC’s strategy for “localizing” submarine supply chains would therefore consider domestic and foreign manufacturers willing to establish a Taiwanese subsidiary or provide the necessary technology as a solution, he said.
Asked whether the company is interested in collaborating with Washington’s plans to revive US shipbuilding, CSBC chairman Chen Cheng-hung (陳政宏) said his company is not competitive with Japanese or South Korean shipbuilders in the construction of commercial vessels.
However, it does not rule out the possibility of taking part in the broadly defined defense sector supply chain collaborations with the US, he said.
The US’ strategic priority of crafting trustworthy supply chains offers opportunities for the CSBC, as the company can contribute to the research and development of warships, government vessels and drones, Chen said.
The company is not prepared to discuss the matter further without fully appraising the situation, he added.
Additional reporting by CNA
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