Taiwan has completed its maiden torpedo test launch for a homegrown submarine, marking a significant move to boost naval deterrence against China and protect vital maritime routes.
The self-ruled island, which China claims as its territory, has prioritised the submarine programme as part of a wider military modernisation drive, as Beijing continues near-daily military exercises around the island.
According to Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation Taiwan CSBC Crop Taiwan which leads construction of the fleet, the first submarine named Narwhal conducted its maiden torpedo firing on Wednesday. The company said the test validated key combat systems, including detection, tracking, fire control, launch, and torpedo guidance functions.
The submarine had earlier completed its first underwater sea trial in January. The programme aims to eventually deliver eight domestically built submarines, with at least two expected to enter service by 2027. Later models could also be equipped with missiles.
The first vessel, valued at around T$49.36 billion ($1.57 billion), is designed to use a combat system developed by Lockheed martin and carry US made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes, although officials did not confirm the exact type used in the test firing.
Originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, the Narwhal has faced delays but remains central to Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its undersea warfare capabilities. Taiwan’s navy currently operates only two ageing submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s.
Taiwan’s military remains significantly smaller than China’s, which fields advanced naval assets including aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as expanding stealth and missile capabilities.
Goodness Anunobi
Follow us on:
