Taiwan has completed the maiden underwater sea trial of its first domestically developed submarine, marking a major step in its effort to strengthen maritime deterrence amid rising military pressure from China. The submarine, named Narwhal, carried out a shallow-water submerged navigation test off the southern port city of Kaohsiung. The project is part of Taiwan’s wider military modernisation drive and its push towards asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Indigenous Submarine Programme
Taiwan’s state-backed shipbuilder CSBC Corp is leading the construction programme, which aims to produce eight submarines in total. The Narwhal is the first vessel in this series. The submarine was originally expected to be delivered in 2024, but the programme has faced delays due to international constraints and external pressure.
Strategic Significance
Submarines are seen as a key deterrent asset for Taiwan, especially in the event of conflict over sea lanes and coastal defence. Taiwan’s armed forces are smaller than China’s military, which has aircraft carriers, ballistic missile submarines and advanced fighter aircraft. Taipei is therefore focusing on mobile, flexible systems that can complicate any attack.
Foreign Technology and Armament
The programme has drawn on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain. The Narwhal will use a combat system from Lockheed Martin and carry U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Taiwan has also indicated that later submarines may be fitted with missiles.
Future Defence Plans
Taiwan aims to deploy at least two domestically developed submarines by 2027. The project reflects its broader plan to build a more resilient defence posture against near-daily Chinese military activity around the island and to protect vital maritime routes in a crisis.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026