Taipei (Taiwan)

In an effort to bolster its defences towards a attainable Chinese assault, Taiwan on Thursday unveiled ts first domestically-made submarine which might be delivered to the Navy by the top of 2024.

The $1.54 billion diesel-electric powered submarine named ‘Haikun’ — a legendary huge fish that may additionally fly which seems in basic Chinese literature — was launched throughout a ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen within the port metropolis of Kaohsiung, stories the BBC.

According to navy officers, the submarine will now endure a number of exams, whereas one other one is at present in manufacturing.

The Haikun makes use of a fight system by American defence firm Lockheed Martin and can carry U.S.-made missiles.

Taiwan goals to finally function a fleet of 10 submarines — together with two older Dutch-made boats — and equip them with missiles, the BBC reported.

Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, head of Taiwan’s home submarine programme, informed reporters final week that the aim of designing and constructing its personal submarine was to fend off any try from China to encircle Taiwan for an invasion or impose a naval blockade.

He additionally stated that it will additionally purchase time till U.S. and Japan forces arrive to assist Taiwan’s defence.

Adm Huang additional stated that he had personally approached navy contacts within the US, Japan, South Korea and India for assist however didn’t specify which nation finally agreed.

The submarine’s launch got here a day after China confirmed it had been conducting navy drills this month to “resolutely combat the arrogance of Taiwan independence separatist forces”.

In latest weeks, China has ramped up its warship presence within the Taiwan Strait and navy jet incursions into airspace across the island, the BBC reported.

U.S. navy and intelligence officers have given various timelines for a attainable Chinese invasion.