The Hai Lung class, also known as the Chien Lung class, consists of two Dutch-built submarines acquired by Taiwan in the 1980s. They are based on the Zwaardvis design and became Taiwan's only modern conventional submarines for decades. Their acquisition was politically sensitive because of Chinese opposition to submarine sales to Taiwan.
Hai Lung-class boats are diesel-electric attack submarines intended for torpedo attack, surveillance, and sea-denial missions. They are older than modern AIP-equipped submarines, but their ability to threaten surface ships remains strategically important in Taiwan's geography. Modernization efforts have focused on sensors, weapons, and service-life extension.
Taiwan's submarine fleet is small, so each Hai Lung-class boat matters for deterrence, training, and operational planning. Their presence complicates blockade and amphibious planning even if they cannot cover all approaches. The class also provided the experience base for Taiwan's indigenous submarine program.
No analysis & reports about Hai Lung
No discussions about Hai Lung yet
Start the first discussion
