KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Taiwan's inaugural domestically-built submarine, "Narwhal," known as Hai Kun (海鯤號) in Chinese, commenced its journey from a Kaohsiung factory to Jong Shyn's floating dock No. 8 on Tuesday (Feb. 27), marking a pivotal moment in the nation's maritime defense capabilities.
The event revealed previously concealed components, such as the propeller, stern rudder, and bow torpedo tubes, offering the public and numerous military enthusiasts their first comprehensive look at the submarine's design.
Shipbuilder CSBC Corp., Taiwan, has initiated a series of final harbor acceptance tests (HAT) on the Narwhal, set to be followed by sea acceptance tests (SAT), without setting a definitive deadline for completion to ensure the prototype's safety and quality.
These tests are critical for verifying the submarine's stability and the coordinates of its center of gravity, with an inclining test being a significant part of the final HAT stage.
Admiral Huang Shu-kuang, convener of the nation's Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program, underscored the strategic importance of the Narwhal by attending the event, emphasizing the submarine's role in Taiwan's defense strategy.
The IDS program aims to bolster Taiwan's naval fleet, with plans to construct another domestic submarine by 2027, potentially increasing the navy's combat-ready submarines to four, alongside two existing Chien Lung-class submarines and two World War II-era submarines currently used for training.
The Narwhal's unveiling and the subsequent testing phases highlight Taiwan's commitment to advancing its maritime defense and technological independence.
This development promises to significantly enhance Taiwan's naval capabilities, with the Narwhal expected to join the fleet after completing the required combat readiness tests by the navy, aiming for commissioning next year.
