C-S-B-C Corporation released footage today showing torpedo tests involving
the Hai Kun, Taiwan's first domestically built submarine prototype.

During its eighth submerged sea trial yesterday, the submarine launched two
exercise torpedoes offshore before they were recovered aboard the support
vessel Da Wu (大武).

Military analysts said the exercise appeared to combine surface operations,
submerged maneuvers and torpedo launches under conditions closer to real
combat scenarios.

CSBC said the drill verified the combat system's capabilities in detection,
targeting calculations, launch operations and torpedo guidance control.

The footage was uploaded to YouTube earlier today before being removed about
an hour later ... which sparked discussion among military enthusiasts online.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said testing is moving ahead step by step,
with more sea trials planned as the navy and CSBC continue safety and quality
checks.

(IG)