Hai Kun submarine's 7th dive; experts suggest torpedo firing test likely
Taiwan's indigenous submarine, the Hai Kun, conducted its 7th dive test today, with military experts suggesting a torpedo firing test may have been conducted. This is significant as borrowed US torpedo firing equipment needs to be returned in May.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 10:18
- 🔍 Collected: May 5, 2026 at 10:31 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 5, 2026 at 10:39 (7 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Kaohsiung, May 5, Reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Central News Agency) The indigenous submarine prototype Hai Kun conducted its 7th dive test today. Military enthusiasts gathered at the harbor early in the morning to cheer for the Hai Kun.
Military experts stated that the Navy had mentioned needing to return the torpedo firing equipment borrowed from the United States in May, suggesting that a torpedo firing test might have been conducted today.
More than a month after its last sea trial, the Hai Kun submarine sailed out of the harbor for testing again around 7 AM today. Over 10 military enthusiasts waited at the harbor from around 6 AM, waving self-made national flags with Taiwan's map and shouting, "Go, Hai Kun!" when the submarine appeared.
Military expert Chi Tung-yun told Central News Agency reporters that today marked the Hai Kun submarine's 13th sea trial and 7th dive test. Based on current test progress, it is expected to enter overnight sea trials soon. Additionally, the Navy had mentioned in the Legislative Yuan that the torpedo firing equipment borrowed from the United States must be returned around May, so this test's focus should be on torpedo firing.
Chi Tung-yun said that despite the need to return the equipment, all tests prioritize safety. The testing progress appears to be steady and thorough. Although it has not yet reached the area around Siaoliuchiu for sea trials, torpedo firing tests can be conducted now. According to international data, torpedo firing can occur not only underwater but also during dive tests.
Chi Tung-yun stated that the Hai Kun submarine is entering its final phase of testing. Besides torpedo firing, endurance tests will also be conducted, increasing depth and cruising speed to confirm power consumption and system stability. After handover, the Navy will proceed with tactical evaluation, which will truly test the vessel's performance in tactical execution.
Regarding public concern about testing depth, although the Hai Kun submarine is currently testing around Kaohsiung Port, each dive may deepen slightly. If it appears near Siaoliuchiu, it means the depth has increased again.
Furthermore, Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation's independently developed unmanned vessel, "Tenacious Manta Ray," accompanied the Hai Kun submarine out of the dry dock and escorted it until it left the harbor before returning. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150505
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(Kaohsiung, May 5, Reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Central News Agency) The indigenous submarine prototype Hai Kun conducted its 7th dive test today. Military enthusiasts gathered at the harbor early in the morning to cheer for the Hai Kun.
Military experts stated that the Navy had mentioned needing to return the torpedo firing equipment borrowed from the United States in May, suggesting that a torpedo firing test might have been conducted today.
More than a month after its last sea trial, the Hai Kun submarine sailed out of the harbor for testing again around 7 AM today. Over 10 military enthusiasts waited at the harbor from around 6 AM, waving self-made national flags with Taiwan's map and shouting, "Go, Hai Kun!" when the submarine appeared.
Military expert Chi Tung-yun told Central News Agency reporters that today marked the Hai Kun submarine's 13th sea trial and 7th dive test. Based on current test progress, it is expected to enter overnight sea trials soon. Additionally, the Navy had mentioned in the Legislative Yuan that the torpedo firing equipment borrowed from the United States must be returned around May, so this test's focus should be on torpedo firing.
Chi Tung-yun said that despite the need to return the equipment, all tests prioritize safety. The testing progress appears to be steady and thorough. Although it has not yet reached the area around Siaoliuchiu for sea trials, torpedo firing tests can be conducted now. According to international data, torpedo firing can occur not only underwater but also during dive tests.
Chi Tung-yun stated that the Hai Kun submarine is entering its final phase of testing. Besides torpedo firing, endurance tests will also be conducted, increasing depth and cruising speed to confirm power consumption and system stability. After handover, the Navy will proceed with tactical evaluation, which will truly test the vessel's performance in tactical execution.
Regarding public concern about testing depth, although the Hai Kun submarine is currently testing around Kaohsiung Port, each dive may deepen slightly. If it appears near Siaoliuchiu, it means the depth has increased again.
Furthermore, Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation's independently developed unmanned vessel, "Tenacious Manta Ray," accompanied the Hai Kun submarine out of the dry dock and escorted it until it left the harbor before returning. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150505
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.