Why Is Taiwan Building Its Own Submarines? First Underwater Trial Signals Strategic Shift

In a major defence milestone, Taiwan has successfully conducted the first underwater sea trial of its domestically developed submarine. The achievement highlights Taiwan’s growing focus on self-reliant defence manufacturing and reflects its determination to strengthen maritime deterrence amid escalating regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Milestone in Taiwan’s Submarine Programme

• The submarine, named Narwhal, undertook a shallow-water underwater trial off the southern port city of Kaohsiung.
• The test was confirmed by CSBC Corporation, Taiwan’s state-owned shipbuilder leading the programme. Narwhal is the first of eight submarines planned under the indigenous initiative.
• Once operational, these submarines will enhance Taiwan’s capacity to protect sea lanes and conduct sea denial operations during potential conflict scenarios.

Why Submarines Matter to Taiwan

• Taiwan faces persistent military pressure from China, which considers the island its territory and regularly conducts naval and air exercises nearby.
• Given China’s numerical and technological superiority, Taiwan has adopted an asymmetric warfare strategy.
• Submarines are central to this approach as they are stealthy, survivable, and capable of disrupting enemy naval movements without matching force levels head-on.

External Cooperation and Diplomatic Significance

• Despite diplomatic isolation, Taiwan’s submarine programme has benefited from technical inputs from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
• This cooperation is viewed as strategically significant, demonstrating quiet international support for Taiwan’s defense modernization.
• For Taipei, such collaboration represents both a technological breakthrough and a diplomatic signal amid regional power competition.

Capabilities, Cost, and Delays

• The Narwhal submarine reportedly costs around T$49.36 billion and was initially scheduled for delivery in 2024.
• Delays occurred due to international supply constraints and political pressure from Beijing.
• The submarine is equipped with a combat management system from a US defence firm and will be armed with US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes, widely used by advanced navies.
• Taiwan has indicated that later submarines in the series could also be fitted with missile systems to enhance deterrence.

Defense Modernization

• Taiwan aims to deploy at least two indigenous submarines by 2027 as part of a broader defence modernisation drive.
• Alongside submarines, Taiwan is prioritising mobile missiles, drones, and survivable platforms.
• This comes as China rapidly expands its military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, ballistic missile submarines, and stealth fighters.
• The successful trial underscores Taiwan’s intent to raise the costs of conflict while maintaining stability through credible deterrence.

Question

Q. What is the name of Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine that completed underwater trials?

A. Dolphin
B. Sea Dragon
C. Narwhal
D. Blue Whale