Taiwan's first domestically built submarine “Hai Kun” is set to launch on Thursday according to General Huang Shu-kuang (黃曙光), the convener of the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program. The submarine is a major milestone for Taiwan's defense industry.
Huang hopes to have four submarines ready by 2027, but the budget for future submarines has not yet been approved by the Cabinet. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) expressed confidence in the IDS programs in his interview with the Cabinet on Tuesday. He said that despite the delayed delivery of needed items, such as the U.S. Stinger missiles, the submarine program is still on track.
Chiu also commented on recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. He said that the exercises are part of China's annual military exercises and that there is no need to elaborate on the details.