The launch of Narwhal submarine tests remains uncertain. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Wednesday that the sea trials may not start as planned in April.
CSBC Corporation, Taiwan’s primary shipbuilder, continues to work overtime on the Narwhal submarine. Engineers at the Kaohsiung shipyard are resolving problems found during earlier harbor acceptance tests. These issues must be fully corrected before the sea phase can begin.
Despite the uncertainty, officials still expect to hand over the submarine to the Navy in November. That timeline has not changed.
Minister Koo addressed questions during a legislative session. Lawmakers asked why the submarine had not yet been seen at sea. Many expected it to begin trials this month. However, the minister said it is too early to confirm a testing date.
“The next stage depends on whether CSBC can resolve all current technical issues,” Koo explained. “Only then will the sea trials proceed.”
The Narwhal submarine represents Taiwan’s first domestically built undersea vessel. This milestone marks a major step in boosting the nation’s self-reliance in defense. However, technical hurdles remain.
Delays in the Narwhal submarine tests could push the schedule further if problems persist. The Defense Ministry remains firm on safety standards before moving forward. Taiwan’s military cannot risk rushing a platform this advanced into trials.
Even though sea trials might face delays, confidence in the overall project remains strong. CSBC continues to collaborate closely with the military. Both sides aim to meet all goals while maintaining high-quality standards.
The Narwhal’s success is vital for Taiwan’s naval defense strategy. Submarines like this will play a key role in deterrence and regional security.
Officials stress that this process must follow strict procedures. Testing ensures that the submarine will perform safely and effectively during future missions.
While Narwhal submarine tests face schedule pressure, the larger project stays on course. If the handover happens as planned in November, it will mark a historic achievement for Taiwan’s shipbuilding industry.
With more eyes on the Narwhal, the coming weeks will determine how quickly Taiwan can move forward with its strategic defense upgrade. Until then, all updates on Narwhal submarine tests will be closely monitored by military and industry experts alike.
