TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Preparations to complete sea acceptance tests for the Narwhal indigenous submarine will be intensified, the military said in a report for a legislative committee meeting scheduled for next week.

Because the tests have fallen behind schedule, speculation mounted that the Navy’s November commissioning could slip. However, in its latest report, the Ministry of National Defense said preparations for the next phase of testing will move ahead, per CNA.

Current evaluations are focused on the host and power management system and the integrated platform management system, the report said. A team including international professional advisers is working to improve conditions following three surface trips by the Narwhal out to sea.

Once the adjustments are completed, the next phase will have the submarine dive to limited depths, before a final phase in deeper waters to test its resistance to pressure.

Following a closed-door hearing on Oct. 13, the Legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee scheduled an open meeting on Oct. 20. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) has been invited to deliver the report, while CSBC Corporation Taiwan Chair Chen Cheng-hung (陳政宏) will be available for questioning by lawmakers.