Image: from Joseph Wu X@josephwutw
By Open Chronicle News Desk
February 2, 2026
TAIPEI — In a strategic move to reinforce its maritime sovereignty and bolster the domestic shipbuilding industry, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has announced a comprehensive procurement plan to acquire more than a dozen new naval vessels over the next 15 years.
The multi-billion dollar roadmap, which extends through 2040, marks a significant escalation in Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its fleet amid evolving regional security challenges. According to defense officials, the initiative is designed to enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities while ensuring self-reliance in military production.
📍 Taiwan bolsters naval defense with US-backed domestic submarine program
📌 It has been announced that the vessel, named Narwhal, has completed its first underwater sea trial
📌 Taiwan aims to commission at least two ‘indigenous’ production submarines by 2027 and plans to… pic.twitter.com/13HR8f93LJ
— harici (@haricinews) January 30, 2026
Strategic Fleet Upgrades
A cornerstone of the new plan is the procurement of ten light frigates between 2028 and 2040. The Navy intends to split this order equally, commissioning five anti-submarine light frigates and five air defense light frigates. This particular segment of the expansion represents a massive investment of approximately NT$250 billion (US$7.88 billion).
Additionally, the ministry has outlined several specialized vessels to be built in the coming decade:
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Submarine Rescue and Salvage Ship: Scheduled for procurement between 2027 and 2033, with a budget of NT$13.2 billion.
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Yushan-class Amphibious Dock Landing Ship: A second vessel of this class is planned for 2028–2034, aimed at boosting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
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Panshi-class Fast Combat Support Ship: A new unit will be added between 2027 and 2032 to enhance the fleet’s logistical endurance.
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Rescue Ships: Two additional vessels are slated for procurement between 2027 and 2034.
Submarine Development Reaches New Milestone
The announcement comes as Taiwan’s indigenous submarine program reaches a critical phase. On Thursday, the Navy initiated shallow-diving tests for the Narwhal, the nation’s first domestically developed submarine, off the coast of Kaohsiung.
Following the successful completion of initial trials, the Narwhal is expected to undergo deep-dive testing at depths exceeding 200 meters. This vessel serves as the prototype for a planned fleet of eight indigenous submarines, which defense analysts view as a vital deterrent against potential naval blockades.
Strengthening Domestic Capability
By focusing on domestic contracts, the Ministry of National Defense aims to stimulate Taiwan’s industrial sector while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The long-term nature of the 2040 plan provides a stable horizon for local shipyards to invest in advanced technologies and workforce training.
While the budget remains subject to legislative approval, the ministry emphasized that these investments are essential to maintaining a “credible and resilient” naval presence in the Taiwan Strait.