Taiwan has successfully completed the first underwater sea trial of its indigenously developed submarine, marking a key milestone in defence modernisation amid rising tensions with China.

BulletsIn

• Taiwan completed the first underwater sea trial of its indigenous submarine Narwhal, strengthening maritime deterrence against increasing Chinese naval activity.

• The shallow-water submerged navigation test was conducted off Kaohsiung port and confirmed by state-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corporation.

• Narwhal is the first of eight submarines planned under Taiwan’s Indigenous Submarine Programme to enhance sea denial capabilities.

• The programme is part of Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy to counter China’s numerical and technological naval superiority.

• The submarine project involves technical and operational support from countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

• Originally planned for delivery in 2024, Narwhal faced delays due to geopolitical constraints and diplomatic pressure from Beijing.

• The submarine costs approximately T$49.36 billion and will be armed with US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes.

• Taiwan plans to deploy at least two domestically built submarines by 2027, reinforcing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

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