Taiwan’s New Submarine Makes a Big Move Underwater

Intermediate | March 10, 2026

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Taiwan Submarine Trial Marks a Major Step

Taiwan has reached an important defense milestone. Its first domestically developed submarine recently completed its maiden undersea trial, a major step for a project that Taiwan hopes will strengthen its security at sea (Reuters). For many people in Taiwan, this was more than just a technical test. It was a sign that the island is trying to build more of its own military strength at a time of growing pressure from China.

What Happened During the Test

According to Reuters, the submarine completed a shallow-water submerged navigation test off the southern port city of Kaohsiung (Reuters). The submarine is called the Narwhal, also known in Chinese as Hai Kun. Taiwan’s shipbuilder, CSBC Corp., said the test showed progress in the long-running Indigenous Defense Submarine program. Focus Taiwan later reported that official video footage showed underwater navigation, steering and control system tests, and the raising and lowering of the periscope and antenna masts (Focus Taiwan).

Why This Taiwan Submarine Trial Matters

This Taiwan submarine trial matters because Taiwan faces almost daily military pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory (Reuters). Taiwan’s military is much smaller than China’s, so its leaders have focused on what is often called asymmetric warfare—using mobile, flexible systems such as submarines, drones, and truck-mounted missiles to make any attack much harder and more costly (Reuters).

A Difficult and Expensive Project

This submarine program has not been easy. Reuters reported that the project has faced delays because of international constraints and pressure from China (Reuters). The first submarine carries a price tag of T$49.36 billion, or about US$1.58 billion, and it uses a combat system from Lockheed Martin along with U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes (Reuters). Taiwan plans to build up to eight submarines, and it hopes to have at least two domestically developed submarines deployed by 2027 (Reuters).

The Political Message Behind the Trial

The submarine is also part of a bigger political message. In his Lunar New Year message in February 2026, President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would continue to strengthen national defense and public security, and the official video included footage of the submarine during its undersea trials (Reuters). In other words, Taiwan wants both its own people and the outside world to see that it is serious about defending itself.

More Than Just a Boat

This story is about more than one submarine. It is about confidence, local industry, and long-term strategy. The Taiwan submarine trial shows that Taiwan is slowly building the tools it believes it needs for deterrence. The project still faces challenges, delays, and political pressure, but this first successful underwater test was a meaningful step forward.

Vocabulary

Milestone (noun) – an important stage in progress.
Example: “The undersea test was a major milestone for Taiwan.”
Domestically developed (adjective phrase) – designed and built within one country.
Example: “Taiwan wants more domestically developed defense systems.”
Deterrence (noun) – the ability to discourage an attack or action.
Example: “Taiwan hopes the submarine will improve deterrence.”
Submerged (adjective) – under the surface of the water.
Example: “The vessel completed a submerged navigation test.”
Asymmetric warfare (noun) – a strategy where a weaker side uses different methods to challenge a stronger side.
Example: “Taiwan is investing in asymmetric warfare tools.”
Constraint (noun) – a limit or restriction.
Example: “The project faced international constraints.”
Pressure (noun) – strong political or military force or influence.
Example: “China has increased pressure on Taiwan.”
Deploy (verb) – to place equipment or forces in a position for use.
Example: “Taiwan hopes to deploy more submarines by 2027.”
Prototype (noun) – the first model of something new.
Example: “Hai Kun is the prototype in the submarine program.”
Strategy (noun) – a careful plan to reach a goal.
Example: “The submarine is part of Taiwan’s broader defense strategy.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What exactly happened during Taiwan’s first undersea submarine trial?
Why is this submarine important for Taiwan’s defense plans?
What does asymmetric warfare mean in this story?
Why has the project faced delays and difficulties?
What political message does this submarine send?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should smaller countries invest more in domestic defense production? Why or why not?
How important is military self-reliance in today’s world?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of expensive defense projects?
How can technology change the balance between stronger and weaker militaries?
Do you think symbols of strength can matter as much as actual military power? Why?

Related Idiom

“Testing the waters” – trying something carefully before making a bigger move.

Example: “Taiwan is testing the waters with this submarine program before expanding the fleet.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters, Focus Taiwan, and Reuters