TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's indigenous submarine prototype Haikun (海鯤號) faces delivery delays, potentially missing its November deadline, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) acknowledged Monday (Oct. 20). Koo revealed this during a Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, session with the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee (外交國防委員會), noting delays could trigger penalty fines for CSBC Corporation, Taiwan (台船).
Koo noted that a daily penalty of approximately NT$190,000 (around US$6,230) looms if the Haikun fails to meet its delivery deadline. The submarine has entered sea trials, with the ministry and Navy Command Headquarters committed to ensuring safety and quality while verifying the vessel's full performance. Koo acknowledged the ministry did not fully understand practical difficulties, especially in equipment procurement, leading to current delays, responding to Legislator Lo Mei-ling (羅美玲).
Koo emphasized that other nations typically take 7 to 16 years to build their first submarine, prompting him to admit the five-year target for Haikun is overly optimistic. He reassured the ministry will prioritize safety and quality, continuing work with the Navy and CSBC to complete testing and delivery of the indigenous submarine by November. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.5)
