Its creation is reportedly a reflection of Taiwanese determination to protect their island.
A ceremony was held in Taiwan to unveil the first submarine built on the island. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen gave the start of the submarine's testing in the port of Kaohsiung, the Associated Press reported. The creation of the submarine epitomizes Taiwanese determination to ensure the security of their island, the leader said.
The new submarine is equipped with combat systems developed by the U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Corp as well as U.S.-made Mark 48 torpedoes. The submarine took seven years to design and assemble and will begin harbor and open ocean trials from October this year.
The new submarine is scheduled to be operational by 2025 and will join two other submarines acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s. Taiwanese authorities have also expressed their intention to roll out production of two more of their own submarines by 2027, and to equip later models with missiles.
The Taiwanese military stresses the importance of submarines to ensure maritime communication between the island's eastern ports and the Pacific Ocean, emphasizing their contribution to national defense and security.
Earlier, Taiwan's Defense Ministry warned that China's military exercises could lead to an escalation of the conflict.