The recordWhat this system is, where it comes from, who operates it and which of Vigil’s modules it is relevant to — with the evidence each of those rests on.
Record
Conflict relevance
This is the catalogue's single record for this system. It is relevant to the module below; each module's Force Atlas shows how it is used there.
Operators
Taiwan (Republic of China): Prototype in sea trials; not an in-service capability
Battlefield role
Intended for sea denial in the waters and approaches around Taiwan.
Strengths
Submarines are among the hardest platforms to find and neutralise, and building them domestically after decades of being unable to buy them is a substantial industrial achievement with real deterrent signalling value.
Limitations
The programme is slow, expensive and unproven: the prototype has been conducting sea trials rather than entering service, and schedules have moved repeatedly. Critics within the asymmetric-defence school argue the cost would buy far more denial capability in missiles, mines and small craft. Vigil records the trials as reported milestones and makes no claim about capability, timeline or fleet size.
Campaign relevance
Derived: a participant organisation in these campaigns carries a typed equipment association with this system. That is not the same as documented use of the system in the campaign itself.
- Sustained pressure below the threshold Intensifying since 2020
via ROC Navy (Prospective, moderate confidence)
- Coercive maritime interdiction — quarantine to blockade Assessed contingency
via ROC Navy (Prospective, moderate confidence)
Branch & service operators
- ROC Navy Prospective
Assessed as of2026-07Last reviewed2026-07-20