Fact Check: Taiwan aims to deploy two new submarines by 2027.

Fact Check: Taiwan Aims to Deploy Two New Submarines by 2027

What We Know

Taiwan has announced its intention to deploy at least two new domestically developed submarines by the year 2027. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize its military capabilities in response to increasing tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. The first of these submarines, named the Narwhal, has recently completed its maiden sea trial, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's indigenous submarine program (Asahi Shimbun, Reuters). The program aims to enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities and is expected to include advanced systems, such as U.S.-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes (Asahi Shimbun).

Analysis

The claim that Taiwan aims to deploy two new submarines by 2027 is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a report from Reuters, Taiwan has explicitly stated its goal of deploying these submarines to strengthen its deterrence against potential military threats from China. This aligns with Taiwan's broader military modernization strategy, which includes the development of various advanced military technologies.

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations such as Reuters and Asahi Shimbun, both of which have a track record of accurate reporting on international military and defense issues. The information is corroborated by the recent completion of sea trials for the Narwhal submarine, which indicates that the program is progressing as planned (Asahi Shimbun). Furthermore, the involvement of U.S. technology in the submarine's systems adds an additional layer of credibility to the program's potential effectiveness (Asahi Shimbun).

While there are no significant opposing claims regarding Taiwan's submarine deployment plans, it is important to note that the timeline may be subject to delays, as indicated by past challenges in the program (Asahi Shimbun). However, the commitment to deploy at least two submarines by 2027 remains clear.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Taiwan aims to deploy two new submarines by 2027 is substantiated by reliable sources and aligns with Taiwan's military objectives in the context of regional security concerns. The ongoing developments in the submarine program further reinforce the validity of this claim.