Taiwan Unveils First Domestically-Produced Submarine

Taiwan marked a significant milestone on Thursday by unveiling its first domestically developed submarine.

The newly unveiled submarine has been named the "Narwhal." I Photo: Central News Agency

This achievement is a major step in a project aimed at bolstering the island's defense capabilities and deterring potential threats from the Chinese navy. However, it's important to note that the submarine won't enter active service for another two years, Carlos Garcia, Walid Berrazeg, and Sarah Wu reported for Reuters.

Taiwan, a territory claimed by China, has prioritized the indigenous submarine program as a central element of its broader initiative to modernize its armed forces.

This effort is particularly crucial given China's frequent military exercises aimed at asserting sovereignty. President Tsai Ing-wen, who launched the initiative in 2016 when she assumed office, proudly presented the first of eight new submarines in the southern city of Kaohsiung.

"In the past, a domestically developed submarine was considered an impossible task. But, today, a submarine designed and manufactured by our country's people sits before our eyes," President Tsai remarked.

She emphasized that this submarine would play a vital role in strengthening the navy's capabilities for "asymmetric warfare."

President Tsai also underscored the significance of Taiwan's self-reliant national defense policy and its growth on Taiwanese soil, even in the face of risks and numerous challenges.

She made these remarks while standing in front of the newly unveiled submarine, which has been named the "Narwhal."

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