Full Breakdown
Taiwan’s Indigenous “Narwhal” Submarine Fires First Torpedo in Milestone Test
5/8/2026, 3:40:42 AM
Narwhal Submarine Completes First Torpedo Test
On May 6, 2026, the Republic of China Navy’s first domestically built submarine—designated Narwhal—conducted its maiden torpedo-fire test. The trial, carried out in Taiwan’s waters, confirmed the submarine’s detection, tracking, fire-control, launch and torpedo-guidance functions. The test follows an underwater sea trial conducted in January and represents the first combat-system validation of the vessel.
Strategic Context of Taiwan’s Indigenous Submarine Program
Taiwan has positioned the indigenous submarine effort as a cornerstone of its broader defence modernisation. The program seeks to enhance deterrence against the People’s Republic of China, which conducts near-daily naval and air exercises around the island and fields three operational aircraft carriers, several nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines and advanced stealth fighters. By fielding a stealthy under-sea platform, Taiwan aims to protect vital sea lanes and complicate any potential maritime blockade.
Key Players and Partnerships
- CSBC Corp. – Taiwanese shipbuilder leading construction of an eight-submarine fleet.
- Lockheed Martin Corp. – Supplier of the combat system integrated into Narwhal.
- United States and United Kingdom – Provided technical expertise and components that underpin the submarine’s design.
- Taiwan Navy – Intended operator of the vessels.
- People’s Republic of China Navy – The strategic adversary whose capabilities drive Taiwan’s procurement decisions.
Program Details: Cost, Fleet Size, Timeline
The Narwhal submarine carries a price tag of T$49.36 billion (approximately US $1.57 billion). The programme envisions up to eight submarines; at least two are slated for deployment by 2027, with later units potentially equipped with anti-ship missiles. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, the first hull experienced delays, pushing its entry into service to a later date. Taiwan already operates two Dutch-built submarines from the 1980s.
Official Statements & Responses
CSBC’s May 7 statement affirmed that the torpedo test “verified the combat system’s operational capabilities” and reiterated the goal of having two indigenous submarines operational by 2027, with future models “possibly equipped with missiles.” The company also noted that the test “demonstrated detection, tracking, fire-control, launch and torpedo-guidance functions” essential for combat readiness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Price conversion: The Straits Times reports the cost as NT$49.36 billion (S$1.99 billion), while Reuters cites US $1.57 billion.
- Torpedo type: Neither source confirms the specific torpedo model fired during the test.
- Delivery schedule: Initial plans called for a 2024 hand-over; the programme now acknowledges delays without specifying a revised date.
What’s Next
Taiwan plans additional sea-trial phases to validate missile integration and extended endurance. If the 2027 deployment target is met, the Narwhal class will augment Taiwan’s under-sea deterrent posture and may influence regional naval balance discussions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “TAIPEI – Taiwan has carried out the maiden torpedo test firing for its first domestically developed submarine, a major milestone in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war.” — Reuters
- “The test verified the combat system's operational capabilities in terms of detection and tracking, fire control, launch, and torpedo guidance, it said.” — CSBC Corp. (as reported)
- “57 billion), will use a combat system by Lockheed Martin Corp and carry US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes.” — Reuters
- “Taiwan has said it hopes to deploy at least two such domestically developed submarines by 2027, and possibly equip later models with missiles.” — CSBC Corp. (as reported)
- “The Narwhal had been due to be delivered to the navy in 2024, joining two existing submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, but the programme has been hit with delays.” — Reuters
