Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has unveiled a major naval development plan as part of ongoing naval modernization following progress on its indigenous submarine program. The initiative highlights a renewed focus on operational safety, fleet resilience, and long-term maritime capability.
According to an official ministry report released late last week, the military intends to build a dedicated submarine rescue vessel after completing testing of its first domestically developed submarine prototype. Officials said the project would address critical rescue gaps within the navy’s undersea operations.
The submarine rescue ship program is scheduled to run for seven years, beginning next year and concluding in 2033. The ministry estimated total costs at NT$13.2 billion, or about US$418 million, with funding allocated directly through the navy.
Defense planners said the vessel would significantly enhance submarine emergency response capabilities. As a result, the project forms a key component of broader naval modernization goals focused on safety and mission sustainability.
At the same time, the report outlined several additional shipbuilding initiatives supporting Taiwan’s expanding naval posture. From next year through 2032, the navy plans to construct a second Panshih-class fast combat support ship at a projected cost of NT$17.2 billion.
In addition, defense officials plan to build another Yushan-class amphibious landing platform dock between 2028 and 2034. That project carries an estimated cost of NT$13.4 billion and would further strengthen logistics and amphibious transport capacity.
Beyond support vessels, the military also aims to construct ten light frigates between 2028 and 2040. The ministry projected total costs of roughly NT$250 billion for that long-term program.
Meanwhile, the navy plans to build two rescue and salvage ships from next year through 2034, with an estimated combined budget of NT$21.8 billion. These platforms would support both military and emergency operations.
The defense report followed closely after Taiwan’s first indigenous defense submarine prototype, Hai Kun, began its long-awaited submerged sea trials. The submarine represents a central milestone in Taiwan’s naval modernization strategy.
However, officials acknowledged that testing timelines for Hai Kun experienced significant delays. Originally scheduled for completion last year, trials extended beyond planned deadlines due to technical challenges.
Despite delays, the ministry confirmed plans to begin construction of a second indigenous submarine once testing concludes. Officials aim to field a total of four operational submarines by next year.
That fleet would include two domestically built submarines alongside two Chien Lung-class vessels acquired from the Netherlands during the 1980s. Taiwan also operates two older submarines used exclusively for training.
Defense analysts said the planned rescue vessel fills a longstanding operational gap. They added that modern submarine fleets require integrated rescue systems to meet international safety standards.
More broadly, experts view the project as reinforcing Taiwan’s naval modernization amid heightened regional security pressures. As shipbuilding programs advance, officials expect sustained demand on domestic defense industries.
Ultimately, defense officials said the rescue vessel represents both a practical safety investment and a symbol of Taiwan’s evolving maritime capabilities.
