This development marks a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and serve as a deterrent against potential naval threats from China. Taiwan unveils submarine defense
Taiwan, a region that China asserts as its rightful territory, has prioritized the creation of this indigenous submarine as a crucial component of its broader initiative to modernize its armed forces. This endeavor comes in response to China’s frequent military exercises, which occur nearly daily and are intended to assert Beijing’s sovereignty in the region.
President Tsai Ing-wen also shared that the Narwhal is scheduled to enter active service in the year 2025. It will complement the two existing submarines that were acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s, further fortifying Taiwan’s naval capabilities.
Standing proudly in front of the vessel dubbed the “Narwhal,” President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a resolute message: “Even in the face of risks, no matter how numerous the challenges, Taiwan must take this bold step, nurturing the organic growth of our self-reliant national defense policy within our borders.” As a symbol of Taiwan’s unwavering identity and determination, the nation’s distinctive red flag, featuring a white sun set against a blue sky, gracefully adorned the bow of the submarine.
Cheng Wen-lon, the head of Taiwan’s CSBC Corp, the company leading the submarine construction, revealed that the submarine incorporates approximately 40% domestic content. While he did not explicitly mention foreign involvement during his speech in Kaohsiung, it
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu emphasized the necessity of fortifying the nation’s defenses in the face of escalating military activities by China in the region, characterized by “grey zone” pressure tactics involving air and naval operations in close proximity to the island. Wu stressed the importance of Taiwan’s submarine strategy in deterring conflict, asserting that submarines are vital for maintaining peace.
Taiwan aims to deploy at least two domestically developed submarines by 2027 and is considering outfitting later models with missiles, according to the program’s head.Taiwan unveils submarine defense
The first submarine, with a price tag of T$49.36 billion ($1.53 billion), is equipped with a combat system from Lockheed Martin Corp and will be armed with U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. It is set to undergo sea trials next month and will be delivered to the navy by the end of 2024.