Japan launches first Li-ion submarine
A new submarine for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was launched on 4 October. The launch of a Soryu-class submarine is not an unusual event in itself, but this occasion was significant as it is the first Japanese submarine to be powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Not only that, it will be the world’s first naval submarine to be thus powered.
The 2,950t vessel, to be christened Oryu (SS 511), measures 84m in length and will be able to reach a submerged speed of 20kt. Its builder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), will deliver this eleventh
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
