KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Taiwan's latest submarine, the "Narwhal," debuted in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities. While it won't be operational for another two years, experts are closely examining its features and identifying necessary improvements for this domestically-built vessel.
One notable concern raised by analysts is the unevenness of the submarine's sail cover, as highlighted by retired Senior Officer Wang Chih-peng from Taiwan's 256th Submarine Squadron.
According to Wang, this unevenness is due to the temporary nature of the sail cover, which is crafted from thinner steel plates. The weld lines also appear rough, and the fitting of the sailing lights leaves room for improvement.
Also, experts are discussing the implications of increasing Taiwanese submarines. Chieh Chung, a Research Fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, explains that the U.S. Navy typically classifies all unidentified ships in the target area as hostiles when their submarines are present.
Therefore, expanding Taiwan's submarine fleet could pose challenges in underwater identification for U.S. forces.
In related developments, reports suggest that the U.S. is considering allowing Taiwan to purchase combat systems for the Narwhal, albeit as a commercial sale rather than a military one.
This decision appears to reflect a strategic consideration of not provoking China and the complexities of aiding Taiwan in the event of an underwater attack.
As Taiwan fortifies its defense strategy, questions arise about the need for a minimum number of submarines for effective anti-submarine warfare across the Taiwan Strait.
Cross-strait relations continue to evolve, prompting discussions about potential adjustments in U.S. military sales policies to maintain regional stability.