Taiwan: Launches first domestically built submarine
– 8 Narwhal ships built and commissioned –
-China is horrified by new submarine-
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Taiwan’s first domestic submarine: Narwhal
Construction cost: 49.4 billion Taiwan dollars (228 billion yen)
The construction cost of the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s cutting-edge Taigei-class submarine is 70 to 80 billion yen.
The submarine Narwhal is quite expensive.
Taiwan Ministry of National Defense:
Going forward, eight Narwhal ships will be built and commissioned.
The second ship is scheduled to enter service by 2027.
Taiwanese defense officials did not release any details other than the ship’s name.
Jane’s Defense Weekly Analysis:
The total length of the submarine is approximately 70 m, the overall width is approximately 8 m, and the displacement at full load is estimated to be 2,700 tons.
Comparison with Japan’s “Taigei”:
The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “Taigei” has a total length of 84 meters, a total width of 9.1 meters, and a standard displacement of 3,000 tons.
Taiwan’s independently built submarines:
Construction will begin in November 2021, and it will be deployed to the Taiwanese Navy in 2025.
Taiwan Ministry of National Defense (MND): “National Defense Report 2023”
The new submarine will undergo “hull welding and equipment system testing in the second half of 2023.”
The stern rudder is X-shaped:
In the images from the launch ceremony, you can see that the stern rudder is X-shaped.
It is the same as Japan’s main submarine, Soryu.
1. It has better underwater maneuverability than a cross-shaped stern rudder,
2. The advantage is that there is little damage to the rudder even if it hits the bottom.
The submarine has excellent maneuverability in the shallow waters of the Taiwan Strait.
Torpedo tube details:
A “curtain bearing the emblem of the 12 rays of the sun” covers the bow of the submarine.
This is to hide the details of the torpedo tubes.
Military information specialty: “Naval News”
It is equipped with “6 torpedo tubes.”
1. Utilizes a combat system manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
2. Equipped with MK48 torpedoes used by the US military.
3. The plan is for the third and subsequent ships to be equipped with missiles.
Janes analysis:
Taiwan adopted a “box-like front and top instead of a cylindrical one.”
This submarine may be “equipped with a double-deck, two-tier torpedo room.”
Can fire torpedoes at enemy ships with a faster rate of fire.
Taiwan prioritizes patrol forces:
The Taiwanese Navy has been strengthening its underwater warfare capabilities since the late 2000s.
The submarine’s “X-rudder arrangement and boxy shape” prioritize deterrent patrols.
In an emergency, it is possible to conduct an ambush attack on the Chinese navy.
Preventing Chinese Navy Invasion:
The submarine poses “great uncertainty for the Chinese Navy.”
This means that “China’s invasion can be deterred” within Taiwan’s territorial waters.
The Chinese Navy has no choice but to change its strategy of taking provocative actions against Taiwan.
Chinese Navy Vulnerabilities:
Chinese troops are currently attacking the coast of Taiwan.
China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ships and civilian RO-RO vessels are “extremely vulnerable to submarine attack.”
Taiwan’s submarine fleet:
Taiwan will form a “submarine fleet to deter Chinese invasion.”
We secretly gathered expertise and technology from around the world.
Reuters: November 29, 2021
Defense companies and engineers from at least seven countries helped build Taiwan’s first submarine.
American companies:
Provides key technologies such as combat system components and sonar.
British companies:
Supplying submarine parts, technology and software to Taiwan.
Australia, South Korea, India, Spain, Canada:
The company successfully hired engineers, technicians and former naval officers from five countries.
Japan also discusses support for Taiwan:
Support for Taiwan was also informally discussed in Japan. However, it was reportedly canceled due to concerns about China’s backlash.
Strong opposition from China:
China strongly objected to Taiwan’s launch of its first domestically produced submarine.
China’s strong opposition is the opposite of a threat and shock to Taiwan.
Chinese Ministry of Defense: Press Secretary Wu Qian
Press conference on September 28th
“Taiwan is overestimating itself and trying the impossible.”
“Taiwan will ultimately lead to self-destruction.”
“The talk of blocking the People’s Liberation Army from entering the Pacific is complete nonsense.”
President Tsai Ing-wen:
At the launch ceremony for Umiba, he said, “Today will be etched in history.”
Two years later, on the day of its commissioning, it will be etched into history in an even bigger way.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2af0d13d15b6c2bdc2800062cfbe523d1e9fb14d?page=2