TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s domestically built submarine prototype Narwhal conducted its seventh underwater test on Tuesday, marking continued progress in the country’s submarine development program.
The Narwhal, built under Taiwan’s domestic submarine initiative, departed from Kaohsiung Harbor early in the morning. About a dozen military enthusiasts gathered at the port from 6 a.m. to catch a glimpse of the vessel, waving homemade flags featuring a map of Taiwan and chanting “Go Narwhal!” as it set out, per CNA.
Military expert Chi Tung-yun (紀東昀) said the outing marked the submarine’s 13th sea trial and seventh submergence test. Based on the current pace, he said, overnight sea trials could begin in the near future.
Chi noted that Taiwan’s Navy had previously told lawmakers that torpedo-handling equipment borrowed from the US would need to be returned around May. He said this suggests Tuesday’s test may have included torpedo-related operations.
Despite the accelerated timeline, Chi emphasized that safety remains the top priority for all trials. Although the submarine has not yet reached waters near Xiaoliuqiu for testing, he said certain torpedo exercises, such as simulated launches while submerged, can still be conducted closer to port, per CNA.
Chi said the Narwhal is approaching its final testing phase. In addition to torpedo trials, upcoming tests are expected to include endurance assessments, gradually increasing depth and speed to evaluate power consumption and system stability.
Once delivered to the Navy, the submarine will undergo tactical evaluations to assess its full operational capabilities.
The vessel’s testing depth has also drawn public interest. Chi said that while current trials are being conducted near Kaohsiung, the submarine is likely increasing its operating depth incrementally.
If it begins appearing near Xiaoliuqiu, that would indicate further progress in deep-water testing, Chi said.
Also accompanying the Narwhal during its departure was the Endeavour Manta, an unmanned surface vessel developed by CSBC Corporation. The vessel escorted the submarine out of port before returning shortly afterward.
