Taiwan has demonstrated its first submarine

Taiwan's government has unveiled the island's first submarine in the port of Kaohsiung, the Associated Press reports. President Sai Inwen launched the test of the ship at the ceremony.

The president of the island noted that the creation of the ship reflects the determination of the Taiwanese people to protect their island.

The submarine has combat systems developed by the American company Lockheed Martin Corp. and Mark 48 torpedoes made in the USA. It took seven years to design and build the submarine, and from October it will be tested in port and in the ocean.

The new submarine is expected to enter service in 2025, along with two others purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s. By 2027, Taipei plans to deploy at least two of its own submarines to the Armed Forces and equip the next models with missiles.

Taiwan's military noted the special role of submarines in ensuring communication between the ports in the east of the island and the Pacific Ocean.

China, which considers Taiwan as its territory, has in recent years strongly protested the political activities of the island's government and has increased the number of military aircraft sent to Taiwan. Last year, Beijing began sending naval vessels and drones into the waters near the island.

Source: Daryo.uz