Taiwan will next week begin testing its first $1.54bn submarine to receive Mk 48 torpedoes

Taiwan is working on the first submarine of its own production. The diesel-electric submarine is ready for a lengthy series of tests that will drag on for several months.

Here's What We Know

Taiwan's navy has two 1980s-era submarines in service, but both were designed in the Netherlands. In 2016, the island nation decided to build its own submarine. On 28 September 2023, tests will begin.

Acceptance tests are scheduled to start on 1 October 2023. They will take place in port. The tests will then be conducted at sea. The submarine pre-assessment procedure is expected to last for six months and will end on 1 April 2023.

The Taiwanese Navy wants the new submarine to join the fleet by the end of next year. It will be armed with Mk 48 torpedoes manufactured by US-based Lockheed Martin to combat surface and submarine ships.

According to open sources, the submarine will be 70 metres long, 8 metres wide and have a displacement of more than 2,500 tonnes. The submarine will be able to dive to a depth of 420 metres. Its cost will be $1.54 billion.

Source: Nikkei