Taiwan Test-Fires Torpedo From First Domestically Built Submarine

Taiwan has carried out the maiden torpedo test-firing from its first domestically developed submarine, a major milestone in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war. The submarine is named Narwhal. It is Taiwan's first domestically built submarine.

Members of Taiwan's navy posed next to Narwhal after its launch ceremony in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in September 2023. Taiwan has made the indigenous submarine program a key part of an ambitious project to modernize its armed forces.

Japan Times reported the test-firing on May 7, 2026. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, rejects Beijing's territorial claims. Beijing stages almost daily military exercises to assert its sovereignty claims.

The submarine program represents a breakthrough for diplomatically isolated Taiwan.