TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s domestically built submarine will begin sea acceptance tests (SAT) next spring, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Wednesday (Sept. 18).

During a press conference, Koo said the SAT is scheduled to take place between late March and early April 2025, with delivery to the Navy planned for November 2025, in line with contractual obligations, CNA reported.

Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) added that though the prototype is scheduled to be delivered by 2025, it needs to be equipped with the proper weapons to be fully combat-ready, including MK-48 heavy torpedoes. Due to global supply chain issues the torpedoes will be delivered in batches, pushing the completion date to 2029.

The Cabinet has approved approximately NT$284 billion (US$8.89 billion) for seven submarines from 2025 to 2038. Chiu clarified that this budget allows for constructing facilities such as training centers, military housing, and weapons systems. 

Production will follow a 2+3+2 model, with the first two subs to be the same variant as the prototype. The second batch of three subs will be upgraded versions, he said.

A submarine rescue vessel is planned for 2027, the admiral said. Taiwan has also signed mutual rescue agreements with partner countries for underwater rescue operations, though the specifics remain undisclosed, he said.

The prototype is currently undergoing harbor acceptance tests and is 50-60% completed. Chiu said last week that it has 10 issues to be corrected and rejected reports that the project was running behind schedule.