Taiwan on Thursday (Jan 29) completed the first underwater sea trial of its first domestically developed submarine, marking a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen naval deterrence and protect critical sea lanes amid tensions with China.
The submarine, named Narwhal, carried out a shallow-water submerged navigation test off the southern port city of Kaohsiung, according to Taiwan’s CSBC, the state-owned company leading construction of the vessel.
“Submarines are a key strategic capability with deterrent power,” CSBC said in a statement, highlighting the importance of the indigenous programme in Taiwan’s broader military modernisation plans.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has made developing indigenous submarines a priority to bolster its defence capabilities. The programme draws on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain—a significant achievement for diplomatically isolated Taiwan.
The Narwhal, priced at NT$49.36 billion (US$1.58 billion), is equipped with a combat system by Lockheed Martin and US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. It was originally scheduled for delivery to the Taiwanese navy in 2024 but faced delays due to international constraints and pressure from China, CSBC said.
Taiwan plans to eventually build eight submarines, with at least two deployed by 2027, and later models may be equipped with missiles.
The submarine joins Taiwan’s two existing Dutch-built submarines purchased in the 1980s, as the island continues to modernise its military to conduct asymmetric warfare against a much larger adversary. China operates three aircraft carriers, ballistic missile submarines, and stealth fighter jets, giving it a significant edge in conventional naval power.
President Lai Ching-te announced in November 2025 that Taiwan would spend an additional US$40 billion on defence to accelerate modernisation, including mobile and agile systems such as submarines, drones, and truck-mounted missiles.
