Lawmakers Reach Agreement on NT$584.95 Million Budget for Narwhal Submarine Prototype
Taipei, Taiwan – In a significant development for Taiwan’s defense capabilities, lawmakers across party lines have reached an agreement on the NT$584.95 million (US$17.99 million) budget proposal for Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine prototype, Narwhal. This decision comes after a period of disagreement and threats from opposition lawmakers to cut the proposed funding due to concerns about the project’s delays.
The budget approval took place during a session of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, where lawmakers discussed the Ministry of National Defense’s (MND) budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025. Despite initial opposition from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), a consensus was ultimately reached to retain the budget and allow the continuation of the submarine project.
Background of the Narwhal Submarine Project
The Narwhal submarine, which was first unveiled in Kaohsiung in September 2023, is the flagship project of Taiwan’s initiative to develop indigenous defense systems, especially in response to the growing threats posed by China. The submarine has successfully completed approximately 80% of its harbor acceptance tests (HAT), with the sea acceptance test (SAT) scheduled to begin in April 2025 and conclude by October. The project is on track to meet its delivery deadline of November 2025.
Opposition Concerns and Government Support
While the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly supported the budget, emphasizing the urgency of building indigenous submarines to bolster national defense, opposition parties, including the KMT and TPP, had raised concerns about delays in the project. KMT lawmaker Wang Wen-chun criticized the significant delays, stating that the Narwhal was progressing slower than expected.
Despite these criticisms, the DPP has argued that the construction of indigenous submarines is essential for ensuring Taiwan’s defense capabilities, particularly as tensions with China remain high.
Next Steps for the Narwhal Submarine Prototype
As part of the legislative agreement, the lawmakers passed a resolution urging the MND to ensure that the Narwhal prototype meets safety standards before it undergoes its sea acceptance tests. The MND is also restricted from using the allocated budget until the SAT begins.
In addition to the Narwhal submarine prototype, the MND has proposed a much larger initiative to build seven additional indigenous submarines by 2038, with an estimated cost of NT$284 billion (approximately US$9 billion). This long-term plan is a crucial part of Taiwan’s broader defense strategy to strengthen its naval power.
Legislative Process and Final Approval
Although the committee has approved the 2025 budget for the Narwhal project, the proposal still requires final approval from the Legislative Yuan before it can take effect. Once the Legislative Yuan passes the budget, the Ministry of National Defense will proceed with the next phases of the Narwhal’s development and the construction of other submarines.
Key Details of the Indigenous Submarine Project
| Project | Narwhal Submarine |
|---|---|
| Prototype Budget | NT$584.95 million (US$17.99 million) |
| Harbor Acceptance Test | 80% complete |
| Sea Acceptance Test | Scheduled to start in April 2025 |
| Prototype Delivery Date | November 2025 |
| Future Submarine Fleet | 7 additional submarines by 2038 |
| Estimated Total Cost | NT$284 billion (approx. US$9 billion) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Narwhal submarine project?
The Narwhal is Taiwan’s first domestically-built submarine prototype. It is being developed as part of Taiwan’s strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities against increasing threats from China.
2. Why was there opposition to the budget for the Narwhal submarine?
Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the KMT and TPP, expressed concerns over delays in the project and threatened to slash the proposed budget for the submarine. They cited the slow progress in the Narwhal‘s development as a reason for the budget cuts.
3. When will the Narwhal submarine be delivered?
The Narwhal submarine is scheduled to meet its delivery deadline in November 2025, with the sea acceptance tests set to begin in April 2025 and conclude by October 2025.
4. What is the overall budget for Taiwan’s indigenous submarine program?
In addition to the Narwhal prototype, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has proposed a plan to build seven additional submarines by 2038, with an estimated total cost of NT$284 billion (approximately US$9 billion).
5. When will the budget for the Narwhal project be finalized?
The 2025 budget proposal for the Narwhal submarine is still subject to final approval from the Legislative Yuan. Once approved, the Ministry of National Defense will proceed with the next phases of the project.
