Earlier this week, the Chief of Staff of the Taiwanese Navy stated that, following the completion of the Harbor Acceptance Tests (HAT) for the ROCS Narwhal (SS-711) of the Hai Kun-class, the submarine could be integrated into the naval fleet by the end of 2025.
The Narwhal is the first prototype of a domestically-built submarine under Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program. Built at CSBC Corp. shipyards and unveiled in September 2023, the submarine underwent Harbor Acceptance Tests a month later. Since February 2024, it has been in the final stage of HAT.
This prototype project is aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities. According to local reports, the initial plan, which faced delays and adjustments, has been revised to include the construction of seven submarines between 2025 and 2038, at a total cost of $8.88 billion, instead of the originally planned eight units. While the plan has been approved by the Taiwanese Cabinet, the budget proposal still awaits approval by the Legislative Yuan.
Vice Admiral Chiu Chun-jung, Chief of Staff of the Navy, confirmed that the prototype is now 83-85% complete. The next phase, Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT), is expected to begin in April 2025 and conclude in October, ensuring delivery by November of that year.
Production of the Hai Kun-class hulls is scheduled in batches of three, two, and three units, with Taiwan’s two Chien Lun-class submarines remaining in service after undergoing the necessary upgrades.
Amongst some of the known details, following the current prototype, the future Hai Kun-class submarines will measure approximately 260 feet in length, with a displacement of 2,460 to 2,950 tons. These new submarines will also be equipped with U.S.-made MK-48 Mod 6 heavyweight torpedoes. Compared to the older SUT 264 torpedoes currently in use, the MK-48 Mod 6 offers significant improvements in speed, range, guidance, and noise reduction, representing a major leap forward for Taiwan’s Navy.
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