ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711)

Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine

Taiwan | 2024

"The new Hai Kun-class of diesel-electric attack submarines gives the Republic of China a much-needed modern undersea solution."

Image released by the Office of the President, Taiwan.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 10/02/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Hai Kun-class ("Narwhal") is an indigenous diesel-electric attack submarine development of the island nation of Taiwan (the "Republic of China"). The series is based in the earlier Dutch Zwaardvis-class which were built in the deep Cold War period across four total hulls. These preceded the Dolfjin-class of the 1950s and were themselves succeeded by the Walrus-class in the 1970s. By default, this makes the Hai Kun-class a subclass of the original Dutch design of the 1960s.

The modern Taiwanese class is expected to number a total of eight active hulls as the country seeks to update its aging underwater capabilities under the shadow of a powerful China. The first hull was constructed in-country by CSBC Corporation as Hai Jun (SS-711) and this vessel saw its keel laid down on November 16th, 2021 with launching taking place on September 28th, 2023. Commissioning has not yet been set as of October 2023.

As designed, the boats will feature a conventional (lithium-ion) diesel-electric propulsion scheme driving a single propeller shaft astern, making them faster under water than on it. Displacement is in the 2,500 ton range and overall length is 229.7 feet. The hull will have a submerged capability down to 1,380 feet. Armament is slated to support the Western MK.48 Mod 6 series torpedo as well as the American UGM-84L "Harpoon" anti-ship missile giving the boats a good reach against both surface and undersea targets.

As it stands, the class will be a vast improvement over the current offering of just two American Guppy II- type "Hai Shih-class" boats and the two aforementioned Dutch-based "Hai Lung-class". Beyond this, the Republic of China Navy (RoCN) consists of surface combatants covering destroyer, frigate, corvette, patrol, mine / countermine, and support roles. Around 100 hulls make up the active RoCN fleet - though this is still dwarfed by the offerings showcased by rival China.

It is notable that the indigenous approach to submarine-building will undoubtedly help Taiwan in its inevitable defense from direct invasion while at the same time reducing reliance on defense powers and allies like the United States.

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one sea-going vessel design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711).

1 x Diesel-electric (Lithium-Ion) propulsion scheme driving 1 x Shaft astern.
Propulsion

13.0 kts
15.0 mph
Surface Speed

20.0 kts
23.0 mph
Submerged Speed

10,797 nm
12,425 miles | 19,996 km
Range

Structure
The bow-to-stern, port-to-starboard physical qualities of ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711).

65
Personnel
Complement

229.7 ft
70.01 meters
O/A Length

28.0 ft
8.53 meters
Beam

24.0 ft
7.32 meters
Draught

2,500
tons
Displacement

2,675
tons
Displacement (Submerged)

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711).

6 x 533mm torpedo tubes supporting MK.48 Mod 6 torpedo family with 20 to 28 torpedo reloads available.

Also support for UGM-84L "Harpoon" anti-ship missiles.

Ships-in-Class (8)
Notable series variants as part of the ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711) family line as relating to the Hai Kun-class (Narwhal) group.

ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711); Unnamed Boat #2 (SS-712); Unnamed Boat #3 (SS-713); Unnamed Boat #4 (SS-714); Unnamed Boat #5 (SS-715); Unnamed Boat #6 (SS-716); Unnamed Boat #7 (SS-717); Unnamed Boat #8 (SS-718)

Operators
Global operator(s) of the ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national naval warfare listing.

Shipbuilder(s): CSBC Corporation - Taiwan

[ Taiwan ]

1 / 1

Image released by the Office of the President, Taiwan.

Going Further...
ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711) Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine appears in the following collections:

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