Military spokesperson Sun Li-fang dismissed concerns that the project was facing setbacks due to power supply issues
Taiwan’s first domestically built submarine, Hai Kun, also known as Narwhal, is set to begin sea acceptance testing (SAT) in April as per schedule, Taiwan News has reported. Military spokesperson Sun Li-fang dismissed concerns that the project was facing setbacks due to power supply issues, stating that the harbour acceptance tests were progressing without delays.
The development of Taiwan’s indigenous defence submarines (IDS) is a crucial step in strengthening the island’s undersea combat capabilities amid rising tensions with China. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan, frequently deploying fighter jets and naval vessels for patrols and military drills near the island.
Sun emphasised that the submarine’s batteries were installed successfully, and the Taiwanese Navy had confirmed that the programme would proceed to the next phase of testing in April. This marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s efforts to build a modern submarine fleet to counter threats from the Chinese military.
The Narwhal is an electric-diesel submarine constructed by CSBC Corporation, which secured the contract after Taiwan faced difficulties obtaining a foreign supplier due to Beijing’s diplomatic pressure.
The Hai Kun project is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities. In 2016, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announced plans to construct a fleet of eight submarines to bolster national defence. The prototype was unveiled in September 2023 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern port city. The submarine’s English name, Narwhal, is derived from the single-tusked whale, which is often described as one of the world’s most unique marine creatures.
In January this year, Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers passed a motion to freeze half of the NT$2 billion (USD 61.01 million) budget allocated for 2025 until an IDS prototype successfully completes the required sea acceptance test (SAT). Despite this, the government remains committed to the project, with plans to build seven more indigenous submarines from 2025 to 2038 at an estimated cost of NT$284 billion, according to Focus Taiwan.
A report by Al Jazeera suggested that Taiwan’s submarines could play a key role in preventing China’s navy from encircling the island and cutting off its access to external resources. Military analysts believe that, in the event of an attack or invasion, Taiwan’s submarine fleet could serve as a strategic deterrent by making it harder for China to bypass the First Island Chain—a crucial defence line that connects Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
The Narwhal is an electric-diesel submarine constructed by CSBC Corporation, which secured the contract after Taiwan faced difficulties obtaining a foreign supplier due to Beijing’s diplomatic pressure. The submarine is expected to be commissioned into the Taiwanese Navy by November 2025, marking a historic achievement for Taiwan’s defence industry.
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