TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s indigenous submarine, the Narwhal, was moved from its dry dock to Pier 91 at Kaohsiung Port on Monday evening, suggesting it is ready for diving tests.
After the Narwhal completed its third sea acceptance trial on July 3, it returned to its dry dock for inspection and adjustments, CNA reported.
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Michael Chiu (邱俊榮) recently told the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that the sea trials included three to four surface navigation tests. These would be followed by equipment calibration and dockside engineering before starting underwater trials.
Chiu said the initial submersion test will reach a depth of about 50 meters. Afterward, the submarine will undergo a deeper trial to approximately 200 meters, in line with specifications. Combat capability tests will be conducted later, he added.
According to the 2026 defense budget, NT$143.12 million (US$4.65 million) has been allotted for the Narwhal. The submarine project has a total budget of NT$49.36 billion from 2019 to 2029.
