The 'Hai Kun,' the prototype for Taiwan's indigenous submarine program, set sail for testing again today, attracting a large number of military enthusiasts to the harbor. Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that the government will not set a deadline for the submarine's delivery, prioritizing safety and quality throughout the testing process to ensure it meets defense requirements. The Hai Kun's test was postponed on May 29 due to poor weather, leading to some criticism. Military expert Chi Tung-yun defended the decision, stating that the Hai Kun is still in the testing phase and not yet a combat-ready vessel. He praised CSBC Corporation's 'safety first' approach. Chi explained that while combat vessels are less affected by weather, test vessels need to collect accurate data, and minimizing environmental variables is crucial. The Hai Kun will undergo highly anticipated 'endurance' and 'deep-sea' tests, including overnight trials. Experts estimate that if these subsequent tasks are completed, delivery could take place between July and September.

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: defense