The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) submarine ROCS Hai Lung is set to participate in a major anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise following its completion of an extensive modernisation programme.
This lead vessel of the Hai Lung class will take part in a three-phase ASW exercise from 28 October till 27 November 2026. The drills will involve surface combatants, Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and Sikorsky S-70C Seahawk helicopters.
During the exercise, ROCS Hai Lung is expected to operate with both the opposing force and the friendly force, allowing the ROCN to assess its joint ASW capabilities, and to validate operational procedures involving submarines, surface ships and aircraft.
Hai Lung is based on the Dutch Zwaardvis-class diesel-electric submarine design. Launched in 1986, the vessel entered ROCN service in 1987, while sister ship ROCS Hai Hu was commissioned in 1988.
In 2018, Taiwan approved a NT$7.41 billion (US$228.3 million) modernisation programme for the two submarines.
Led by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Lockheed Martin and the Netherlands-based RH Marine, the programme included replacement of the combat management system, installation of digital optronic periscopes, sonar upgrades and a new digital weapon launch system.
The upgraded systems are intended to improve the submarines’ situational awareness and combat effectiveness, including their ability to engage multiple targets.
Hai Lung-class submarines are equipped with US-made weapons, including MK 48 MOD 6 heavyweight torpedoes and UGM-84L Harpoon anti-ship missiles. These complement German-designed Atlas Elektronik SUT torpedoes.
While ROCS Hai Lung has now completed its modernisation, work on Hai Hu is ongoing. This programme is intended to extend the operational lives of Taiwan’s existing submarines into the 2030s, even as the ROCN develops its own domestic submarine-building capability.
The first domestically developed submarine, Hai Kun, built by CSBC Corporation, remains in sea trials. The vessel has conducted diving trials and fired training MK 48 torpedoes as part of its test programme.
by Chen Chuanren
