Hai Lung

The Hai Lung-class submarines are two diesel-electric attack submarines operated by the Republic of China Navy. They are based on the Dutch Zwaardvis-class design, featuring a teardrop hull and capable of launching torpedoes.

Ordered in 1981 from the Dutch shipyard Wilton-Fijenoord, these submarines were acquired by Taiwan to modernize its aging undersea fleet and counter the growing naval capabilities of mainland China, a transaction that triggered a major diplomatic dispute between Beijing and the Netherlands. The two vessels, Hai Lung and Hai Hu, were completed and formally commissioned into the Republic of China Navy between 1987 and 1988. Throughout their service, they have conducted vital patrol and deterrence missions in the Taiwan Strait and were later upgraded to launch UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles to enhance their defensive capabilities. Today, both submarines remain active in frontline service, undergoing life-extension programs to maintain Taiwan's maritime defense until the new domestic Indigenous Defense Submarines are fully deployed.