Fact Check: Taiwan Plans to Build Eight Submarines Total
What We Know
Taiwan is indeed in the process of developing a new class of submarines known as the Hai Kun-class, with plans to construct a total of eight submarines. The project is part of Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program, which aims to bolster its naval capabilities amid regional tensions. The first submarine, named Hai Kun, was launched on September 28, 2023, and is expected to enter service by 2025 (source-1, source-2).
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that the total plan includes not just the initial eight submarines but potentially additional units in the future. In August 2024, it was reported that the government approved a budget for the construction of seven more submarines to be built from 2025 to 2038, bringing the total to fifteen submarines if these plans are realized (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Taiwan plans to build eight submarines is partially true. While the initial contract awarded to CSBC Corporation indeed specifies the construction of eight submarines, the broader context reveals plans for additional submarines beyond this initial fleet. The IDS program's long-term vision includes a total of fifteen submarines, contingent on funding and technological readiness (source-2, source-5).
The reliability of the sources is generally strong, with information coming from reputable news outlets and official government announcements. However, the political context surrounding defense spending in Taiwan can introduce biases, particularly from opposition parties that may criticize the government's defense budget proposals (source-5).
Furthermore, while the IDS program has made significant progress, including the launch of the first submarine, it is essential to consider that timelines and budgets in military projects can be subject to delays and changes based on various factors, including political dynamics and funding approvals (source-1, source-7).
Conclusion
The claim that "Taiwan plans to build eight submarines total" is partially true. While the initial phase of the IDS program indeed includes eight submarines, there are plans for additional units in the future, which could increase the total number significantly. Therefore, the statement lacks the full context of Taiwan's broader naval ambitions.
Sources
- Taiwan completes first sea trial for domestically made submarine - Reuters
- Hai Kun-class submarine - Wikipedia
- 대만관광청 공식 홈페이지 - Taiwan Tourism
- 知乎 - Zhihu
- Taiwan's $8.9bn plan for more submarines meets political resistance - Nikkei Asia
- 대만명소 - Taiwan Attractions
- Taiwan starts propulsion tests of first indigenous Hai Kun submarine - Army Recognition
