TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s indigenous submarine, the Hai Kun, will begin tests for seaworthiness on May 12. 

The sea tests for the new Hai Kun-class submarine were originally expected to be carried out last month, but there were some delays during the harbor tests. LTN reported that the Navy completed all harbor tests and preparations for the seaworthiness check earlier this week. 

If weather permits on Monday, the Hai Kun will leave the shipyard in Kaohsiung escorted by the Cheng Kung-class frigate Tzu I for support, per LTN. If deemed seaworthy, the Navy will commission the submarine for service in November, according to its original timeline. 

In January, CSBC General Manager Tsai Kun-Tsung (蔡坤宗) assured the government that the Hai Kun had no structural issues. The vessel has reportedly been submerged and resurfaced multiple times without incident. 

Since its unveiling in September 2023, the Hai Kun has been docked at Kaohsiung Harbor. Taking the submarine out to sea in the Taiwan Strait will be a crucial test of its capabilities. 

Taiwan reportedly plans to produce seven more Hai Kun-class submarines by 2038 to bolster its defensive naval capabilities.