The integration of the pressure hull section of the prototype Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) is expected to be completed by the end of June 2022, the Executive Yuan, the executive branch of the Taiwanese government, revealed in a policy report released in late January.
The report also officially confirmed that the submarine’s keel was laid in November 2021, as local news agencies claimed at the time.
Kaohsiung Shipyard CSBC Corporation was awarded the Republic of China Navy (RoCN) diesel-electric submarine prototype (SSK) design and build contract in May 2019. According to local media reports, the prototype is likely to launch ahead of the September 2023 forecast.
The company announced earlier that the first production standard vessel is expected to be completed in its purpose-built submarine construction facility in the third quarter of 2024, followed by sea trials and commissioning in 2025.
CSBC Corporation is working with the state-owned National Zhongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to build up to eight IDS SSKs worth up to $16 billion.
The IDS is expected to have an overall length of 70 m and a displacement of approximately 2,500 tonnes when submerged. Although detailed performance specifications remain unconfirmed, the RoCN is reportedly expected to have an operational range of up to 6,000 nautical miles, with surface and underwater speeds of around 8 and 17 knots, respectively.
It is also expected to be equipped with American-made Mk 48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology heavy torpedoes and UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles, as well as battle management and sonar systems supplied by American companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Other equipment approved for transfer by the United States includes optoelectronic masts, torpedo tubes, propulsion equipment and other critical engineering and mission equipment.
RoCN has an ageing submarine force that includes two refurbished Dutch-built Zwaardvis/Hai Lung (Sea Dragon) class SSK submarines acquired in the late 1980s.
It also owns two ex-US Navy Guppy II/Sea Lion (Sea Lion)-class ships from the Second World War, the oldest Navy submarines in service in the world today, and is understood to be used only for training purposes.
by Jr Ng
