Fact Check: Taiwan's first submarine, Narwhal, costs $1.67 billion.

Fact Check: "Taiwan's first submarine, Narwhal, costs $1.67 billion."

What We Know

Taiwan has recently completed the maiden sea trial for its first domestically developed submarine, named the Narwhal. This submarine is a crucial part of Taiwan's military modernization strategy in response to increasing military pressures from China. The total cost for the Narwhal is reported to be T$49.36 billion, which is equivalent to approximately $1.67 billion USD (Devdiscourse, NDTV). The submarine program aims to enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities, particularly in asymmetric warfare, and has received technical support from the United States and Britain (Reuters, Asahi Shimbun).

Analysis

The claim that Taiwan's first submarine, Narwhal, costs $1.67 billion is supported by multiple credible sources. Both Reuters and NDTV explicitly state that the price tag for the Narwhal is T$49.36 billion, which converts to $1.67 billion. Additionally, Devdiscourse corroborates this figure, emphasizing the submarine's role in Taiwan's defense strategy against China.

The reliability of these sources is generally high. Reuters and NDTV are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards, while Devdiscourse provides insights into defense and technology topics, which adds context to the submarine's significance. The information aligns across multiple reports, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.

However, it is essential to note that while the price is confirmed, the financial implications and the overall effectiveness of the submarine in Taiwan's defense strategy are complex issues that require further examination beyond the scope of this claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Taiwan's first submarine, Narwhal, costs $1.67 billion is accurate. This figure is consistently reported across multiple reputable sources, confirming the submarine's financial investment as part of Taiwan's broader military modernization efforts.

Sources

1. Taiwan completes first sea trial for domestically made submarine in ...
2. Taiwan's Ambitious Submarine Initiative: Navigating Defense Challenges ...
3. Taiwan Completes Sea Trial For 1st Indigenous Submarine In Big Defence Move
4. 대만관광청 공식 홈페이지
5. Taiwan completes first sea trial for domestically made submarine in ...
6. Taiwan Completes The First Sea Trials For A - Marine Link
7. 知乎 - 有问题，就会有答案
8. 대만명소