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Taiwan’s Hai Kun submarine begins second sea trial
Taiwan’s Hai Kun submarine prototype completed its second sea trial, focusing on stability. The trial included propulsion and navigation tests, ensuring safe return to Kaohsiung Port.
2025/06/26 22:00
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HMS Spey sails through Taiwan Strait amid tensions
The British Office Taipei confirmed the HMS Spey’s passage through the Taiwan Strait, aligning with international law. Taiwan’s MOFA praised the U.K.’s support for navigation freedom.
2025/06/19 17:05
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Taiwan’s Haikun submarine begins crucial acceptance tests
Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine, Haikun, completed its initial sea acceptance test at Kaohsiung Port. The test marks a key step in Taiwan’s submarine development.
2025/06/18 09:55
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Taiwan unveils sea drone with dual peacetime-wartime roles
YILAN (TVBS News) — Carbon-Based Technology Inc. (碳基科技) recently unveiled its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the waters off Suao (蘇澳), northern Taiwan. The sea drone aims to support an asymmetric warfare strategy currently being developed by Taiwan. Despite encountering a remote control power system issue that rendered it inoperable during performance tests, conducted under the escort of a National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) workboat, this incident highlights ongoing challenges for Taiwan in accelerating the development of unmanned vehicles for military use as it seeks to enhance its innovative and powerful aid forces. Professor Lin Wei-chi (林威志) from Taipei University of Marine Technology (TUMT, 台北海洋科技大學) emphasized the vessel’s innovative design, which allows it to transition between peacetime and wartime roles. The ship can transport resources to remote islands or conduct patrols in Taiwan’s waters, including port detection and environmental oversight. Regarding military applications, such a USV can deter and attack enemies and be commissioned for various missions. However, Taiwan still needs to address several issues, including geographical references in the Taiwan Strait and technical limitations. Lin noted that large waves caused water leakage during the demonstration, which may have affected electronic components on board. Vice President Li Kang-si (李康嗣) of Carbon-Based Technology confirmed that although communication power remained stable, the wave conditions hindered the vessel’s activation, leading to a delay in further tests. According to reports, the island-nation has approximately 1,000 UAVs in service, which is significantly smaller than China’s fleet, especially considering that Beijing is a leading producer of unmanned drones. The scale of the UAV industry is also restricted in Taiwan. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan plans to purchase 3,200 USVs, most of which are small. On one hand, Taiwan’s civilian company is expected to deliver 3,000 drones to the authorities by the end of 2025; however, it is essential to involve larger companies in the supply chain. Amid these challenges, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities by proposing a special budget later this year. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (顧立雄) underscored the significance of unmanned vehicles, including drones and vessels, in bolstering defense resilience. He also announced that the ministry will suggest a special budget to reinforce asymmetric warfare forces, following the so-called “Hellscape” coined by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo. Uncrewed vehicles have become a prominent trend among nations, with their efficiency particularly evident during the Ukraine-Russia War. In October 2022, Ukraine deployed at least seven naval drones to attack the port of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in its protected harbor. The assault resulted in damage to one frigate and several other vessels, though no warships were sunk. A month ago, Ukraine successfully employed a USV to shoot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft. This effectiveness has encouraged various nations to invest in the development of unmanned vehicles. Currently, the U.S. has over 10,000 UAVs in service, while its navy plans to expand the integration of a hybrid fleet with USVs. Regarding Taiwan, the authorities are fully committed to the effort of keeping pace in this race against time by all means. Earlier this month, Taiwan unveiled its domestically produced suicide drone developed by Thunder Tiger Group, a civilian company; another firm presented a remotely operated underwater vehicle in collaboration with the military; and Taiwan CSBC Corporation (台船) showcased its USVs capable of withstanding harsh conditions in Taiwanese waters, equipped with combat capabilities, back in March. Additionally, the Taiwan government has acquired 680 Switchblade 300 drones, 291 ALTIUS 600 M-V units from the U.S., and 4 MQ-9B drones, which are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The global landscape of unmanned military vehicles has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned ships during its conflict with Russia. In response to China’s military pressure, Taiwan must address the dual challenge posed by its geography and technical limitations while enhancing its development speed to achieve a flexible asymmetric warfare strategy.
2025/06/13 19:06
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Taiwan to boost defense with homegrown underwater vehicle
Taiwan’s military unveiled a domestically produced ROV on May 8, enhancing defense autonomy. The vehicle, developed by Awareocean Technology, aids in mine-hunting and aligns with Taiwan’s non-red supply chain policy.
2025/06/03 18:58
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Taiwan’s defense ministry addresses U.S. aircraft denial
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense addresses U.S. rejection of aircraft and helicopter purchases, citing strategic needs and ongoing defense planning.
2025/04/29 15:32
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Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine faces sea trial delays
Taiwan’s Navy Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Chiu Chun-jung announced that the Hai Kun submarine is nearing final system tests. Sea trials, initially set for April, may be delayed to ensure safety. The Navy and CSBC Corp. focus on readiness, with a report to the Legislative Yuan due by Sept. 30.
2025/04/29 11:00
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Taiwan navy destroyer catches fire at port, no injuries
A fire on the ROCS Ma Kong at Suao Military Port has been extinguished with no injuries. The cause is under investigation. The ship was undergoing maintenance.
2025/04/23 16:00
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U.S. admiral warns of China using drills as Taiwan cover
U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo warns China may use military drills as a cover for an attack on Taiwan. He highlights China’s maneuvers and calls for U.S. action.
2025/02/14 10:01
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U.S. Navy confirms routine passage in Taiwan Strait
The U.S. Navy confirmed two vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first transit since President Trump took office. This routine operation underscores the U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation.
2025/02/12 11:02
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Taiwan Navy showcases combat readiness for Lunar New Year
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense showcased military readiness at Zuoying Navy Base, highlighting missile drills and unveiling a new diving center. The event demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime territories amid rising tensions.
2025/01/09 16:33
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Navy clarifies NT$2B budget allocation for submarine project
The Navy confirms a NT$2 billion budget for 2025, supporting Taiwan’s submarine project. A proposed cut by KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin is under review.
2024/12/03 15:31
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Navy: Sea tests for Hai Kun submarine set for April 2025
Taiwan’s Hai Kun-class submarine tests are 83% complete, with sea tests set for April 2025. Budget debates in the legislature may impact delivery timelines.
2024/11/25 14:08
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Taiwan unveils new frigate to boost maritime defense
President Lai Ching-te highlighted Taiwan’s defense commitment at a Navy ceremony in Kaohsiung, marking a milestone in domestic shipbuilding with a new frigate.
2024/11/04 13:53
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Report: US trains for Taiwan defense amid China tensions
Discover how Seal Team 6 is preparing for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, with over a year of secret training in Virginia, as reported by the Financial Times. Learn about the U.S. military’s strategic planning amidst tensions.
2024/09/12 14:22
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Taiwan boosts 2025 military budget by NT$20.3 billion
Discover the details of Taiwan’s 2025 military budget increase, focusing on delayed military sales payments and the distribution of funds across the army, navy, and air force. Learn about the impact of global events on Taiwan’s defense spending and the strategic investments in military equipment and personnel readiness.
2024/09/09 15:27
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Taiwan detects 14 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels, 2 ships
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s defense as the Ministry of National Defense reports significant Chinese military activity, including 14 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around the Taiwan Strait.
2024/09/05 11:01
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President Lai stresses importance of peace in Taiwan Strait
Discover how President Lai Ching-te emphasizes peace in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and sovereignty during Armed Forces Day. Learn about Taiwan’s defense strategies and budget plans for a stronger military.
2024/08/30 20:00
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No evidence of espionage in Chinese defector’s case
Discover the story of Ruan Fangyong, a former Chinese navy captain who attempted to defect to Taiwan by boat, facing indictment for violating Taiwan’s Immigration Act. Learn about his journey and the investigation’s findings.
2024/08/14 12:00
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Taiwan’s defense ministry tracks Canadian frigate in Strait
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s defense ministry monitoring the HMCS Montreal’s transit through the Taiwan Strait, highlighting Canada’s commitment to a free Indo-Pacific.
2024/08/01 15:03
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Taiwan detects 66 Chinese aircraft near its airspace
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s defense as it monitors and responds to increased Chinese military activity near the Taiwan Strait, including 66 aircraft detections and naval maneuvers.
2024/07/11 11:24
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Taiwan’s MND head confirms Chinese submarine sighting
Discover the latest on a Chinese submarine spotted near Taiwan’s median line in the Taiwan Strait, confirmed by Defense Minister Wellington Koo. Learn about the unexpected encounter and ongoing speculations.
2024/06/18 14:08
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Taiwan probes CCP’s role in Chinese man’s illegal entry
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s national security as officials investigate a Chinese man, formerly a PLA Navy captain, who illegally entered Taiwan, highlighting concerns over potential CCP manipulation. 3. NSB gathering intel on man’s China activities. 4. Arrest prompts review of maritime security.
2024/06/12 12:43
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Taiwan Navy Chief to strengthen US ties amid China threats
Taiwan’s navy chief Tang Hua to visit U.S. for military ceremony and naval cooperation talks amid China threats. Tang’s visit part of U.S. "Joint Island Defence Concept" initiative. Plans for meeting with U.S. chief of naval operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti underway.
2024/03/29 16:41
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US builds floating pier in Gaza, eyes Taiwan Strait strategy
The U.S. military’s floating pier in Gaza could have implications for Taiwan Strait conflict scenarios, as analyzed by The Daily Telegraph. Taiwan’s military responds to Chinese Communist Party aircraft with Joint Civil Military Air-Raid Exercise and plans to expand political warfare units in the navy. The Tien-Kung III missile, developed domestically, strengthens defense capabilities against aerial threats. New missile sites and integrated defense operations demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing combat effectiveness.
2024/03/27 10:08