Two submarines set to test system upgrades next yearEARLY DEPLOYMENT? The two submarines, bought from the Netherlands in the 1980s, have been undergoing combat system upgrades since 2018, which have cost NT$7.41 billion (US$231.78 million). President William Lai, center, boards the Hai Kun submarine for an inspection on Thursday. Both submarines are to participate in major military exercises next year to assess their upgraded combat capabilities, sources said. The navy’s other two submarines, the Hai Shih (海獅, Sea Lion) and the Hai Pao (海豹, Seal), would continue to be used for training purposes, he added.

Source: Taipei Times March 20, 2026 17:14 UTC