TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has announced the launch of the 'Narwhal,' its first domestically produced submarine. Launched on Sept. 28 in Kaohsiung, this vessel signifies an important step in strengthening Taiwan's naval ability.
The Narwhal can be equipped with U.S.-made Mk-48 torpedoes, boosting Taiwan's direct threat potential against the Chinese navy, according to a report by Business Insider. The heavy torpedos, which can potentially break a ship in half, form a significant function of the submarine.
Former U.S Navy submarine commander and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), Tom Shugart, explained that the inclusion of the Mk-48 torpedoes represents a significant upgrade for Taiwan.
The Narwhal is a significant advancement compared to four former submarines: two made in the Netherlands in the 1980s and two even older American-made ones, serviced in the 1940s and transferred to Taiwan in the early 1970s, according to Business Insider.
Retired U.S Navy officer and defense expert at Hudson Institute, Bryan Clark, praised Taiwan's reliance on domestic techniques to achieve this project in a mere six years, comparable to the decades-spanning accomplishments of other nations.
The Narwhal is also capable of carrying submarine-launched Harpoon anti-ship missiles and firing Tomahawk cruise missiles with a slight modification of the American fire-control system on board. The United States' support dates back to April 2018 when then-President Donald Trump approved a weapons technology export to Taiwan.
Taiwan's decision to purchase 46 advanced Mk-48 Mod 6 torpedoes has been disclosed, with delivery estimated by the end of 2028 but likely to be expedited to 2025 end, according to confidential sources.
Representative of Taiwan's locally built submarine project squad, Huang Shuguang, disclosed the Narwhal is a leap forward in the future loading of anti-ship missiles.