Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine ready for sea trials

Taipei

Taiwan is set to begin sea acceptance testing (SAT) of its first indigenous submarine, Hai Kun (Narwhal), in April as planned, according to source. Military spokesperson Sun Li-fang dismissed concerns about power supply issues delaying harbour acceptance tests, confirming that battery installation proceeded smoothly.

The submarine project aims to strengthen Taiwan’s undersea defense amid growing Chinese military pressure. China continues to conduct aggressive patrols and drills near the island, increasing tensions. Sun stated that the submarine's progress remains on schedule, with sea trials set for the next phase in April.

In January, opposition lawmakers froze half of the NT$2 billion (USD 61 million) budget for the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program until the prototype successfully completes SAT. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen first announced plans for an eight-submarine fleet in 2016. Hai Kun was unveiled in September 2023 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern port city.

The Taiwanese government has approved the construction of seven additional submarines between 2025 and 2038, with a total estimated cost of NT$284 billion. Analysts suggest that Taiwan’s submarines could prevent China’s navy from surrounding the island and cutting off vital resources. The Narwhal, built by CSBC Corporation, is expected to enter service in November 2025 after Taiwan failed to secure a foreign supplier due to Chinese pressure.