Japan commissions replacement sub rescue ship
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned a new submarine rescue ship, JS Chiyoda (ASR-404), on 20 March.
Built by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, the 5,600t vessel will operate with Submarine Flotilla 2, which is based at Yokosuka near Tokyo.
The $504 million ship was launched in October 2016 and possesses a dry deck shelter and dynamic positioning system, it can deploy a deep submergence rescue vessel as well as remotely operated vehicles. The 128m-long ship has a beam of 5.2m and it can achieve a speed of 20kt via two 19,500hp diesel engines.
The ship directly replaces an eponymous
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
