Taiwan plans submarine rescue ship and major naval expansion through 2040
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has unveiled plans to build a submarine rescue ship between 2027 and 2033, as part of a broader naval expansion strategy that includes new frigates, landing docks, and support vessels.
- Taiwan to build submarine rescue vessel from 2027 to 2033, following launch of its first indigenous submarine.
- Additional naval projects include a second fast combat support ship, amphibious landing dock, and 10 light frigates.
- Total naval investments through 2040 exceed NT$315 billion (approx. US$10 billion).
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced a comprehensive naval expansion plan that includes the construction of a submarine rescue vessel, following the launch of its first domestically produced submarine prototype.
According to a report titled "Regulated Military Materials in the Second Half of Fiscal Year 2025", released on 30 January 2026, the submarine rescue ship will be developed over a seven-year period from 2027 to 2033.
The project, costing NT$13.2 billion (approximately US$417.39 million), aims to strengthen Taiwan’s submarine rescue capabilities. The vessel will be funded and managed by the Navy.
The announcement comes shortly after the Narwhal—Taiwan’s indigenous defence submarine (IDS) prototype—began submerged sea trials. Originally scheduled for completion by September 2025, delays have pushed back its testing timeline. The submarine is still expected to be delivered by November 2025.
According to the MND, a second indigenous submarine is also planned to be completed by 2027. The wider objective is for the Navy to operate four submarines by that year: the Narwhal, a second IDS unit, and two Chien Lung-class (Sword Dragon) submarines acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s.
Taiwan also maintains two ageing submarines obtained from the United States during the 1970s. These World War II-era vessels are now used solely for training purposes.
In parallel with the submarine rescue ship project, Taiwan plans to expand its naval support and combat vessel fleet.
Between 2027 and 2032, the Navy intends to construct a second Panshih-class fast combat support ship. This vessel is projected to cost NT$17.2 billion.
From 2028 to 2034, a new Yushan-class amphibious landing platform dock is expected to be built, with a projected cost of NT$13.4 billion. The Yushan-class ships support amphibious operations and logistics, offering improved operational range and deployment capability.
The most ambitious part of the expansion involves the development of 10 light frigates over a 12-year timeline, beginning in 2028 and concluding in 2040. The total cost of this programme is estimated at NT$250 billion.
The frigates are expected to play a critical role in Taiwan’s maritime security, offering multi-role capabilities including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat.
In addition, the MND confirmed plans to build two rescue and salvage ships from 2027 to 2034, with an investment of NT$21.8 billion. These vessels will support naval operations and assist in recovering damaged or sunken ships and equipment.
The aggregated cost of Taiwan’s planned naval build-up exceeds NT$315 billion (more than US$10 billion), indicating a significant long-term commitment to maritime defence modernisation.
The strategic emphasis on submarines, support vessels, and light frigates reflects Taiwan’s continued efforts to improve its asymmetric warfare capabilities and enhance survivability in contested waters.
According to the MND, these naval developments are designed to ensure readiness and resilience amid evolving regional security challenges.
