The government will impose penalties on the builder of Taiwan’s prototype submarine, known as the Narwhal or Hai Kun, for failure to be delivered on schedule, according to Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄). Koo reported to the Legislature on Monday regarding the progress, saying that fines will amount to around NT$190,000 (over US$6,200) per day, up to 20% of the NT$4 billion (US$130.8 million) contract value.

A November delivery would be “extremely challenging,” explained Koo, adding that the navy and contractor will continue required sea trials while prioritizing safety and quality.

Regarding media reports that a senior official in the Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Office illegally collected and shared sensitive exercise and operational information in unencrypted messaging groups, Koo commented that the military has launched an administrative probe and said he hopes the investigation will be handled quickly and with impartiality.