Defense Minister Wellington Ku has admitted that "it'll be challenging" for
the Narwhal submarine prototype to be delivered in November as scheduled.

The Minister told reporters today that he remains confident in the
completion of the submarine's construction; however, the testing and
calibration of equipment will take time.

According to the contract, the China Ship Building Corporation is supposed to
deliver the vessel to the R-O-C Navy in November.

But Ku said the submarine is still in the phase of testing and adjustments
before the crucial Sea Acceptance Test.

The Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee has asked that
the Defense Minister make a closed-door report on the progress of the
Narwhal, also known as the Hai Kun.

Recent news reports indicate that the Hai Kun project is facing serious
setbacks, as its scheduled phases have been repeatedly delayed and the
submarine has yet to submerge.

(JL)