TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Military expert Chi Tung-yun (紀東昀) on Monday stressed the importance of safety as the Narwhal submarine continues testing.
Chi explained that while combat-ready military ships are less affected by weather conditions, a submarine still in testing must collect accurate performance data, CNA reported. This requires stable environmental conditions, he said, adding that minimizing external variables helps ensure the reliability of test results.
Chi said sea trials also require coordination with other units, including the Coast Guard and Navy. The submarine will next undergo endurance and deep-dive tests. If these are completed, delivery could take place between July and September, he said.
The Narwhal successfully conducted live-fire tests with exercise torpedoes last month.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo previously said the government will not set a fixed delivery timeline for the submarine. He added that testing will proceed in accordance with proper procedures, prioritizing safety and quality.
CSBC Corp. Chair Chen Jeng-horng (陳政宏) said last month that Taiwan needs more than 10 submarines to have an effective undersea force.
Submarine fleet planning is generally calculated using a three-to-one ratio, Chen said. For every submarine required for combat operations, another is typically assigned to training, while a third undergoes maintenance, he said.
He noted that Taiwan has strategic ambush areas in its northeastern, eastern, southwestern, and southern waters. It would need to deploy one submarine to at least three of the areas, he said.
