Japan commissioned its second Taigei-class submarine, JS Hakugei, on 20 March. (Photo: JMSDF)
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its second 3,000t Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine, ‘SS-514’, on 20 March.
The ceremony for JS Hakugei (its name means white sperm whale) took place at the Kobe shipyard of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. This new submarine, launched on 14 October 2021, will be based in Kure.
The first-of-class JS Taigei was commissioned on 9 March 2022. Stationed in Yokosuka, this submarine is being used as a test submarine for future Japanese submarine technologies, as stated in the National Defense Program Guidelines of FY2019.
Given the status of the first-of-class submarine, this means JS Hakugei
Already have an account? Log in
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
Connect with us on socials
