Japan goes to top of class with new submarine
A new generation of Japanese attack submarines is on its way, building on the current Soryu-class design.
Japan launched the first of a new diesel-electric submarine class at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) shipyard in Kobe on 14 October. The keel of the submarine was laid on 16 March 2018.
The future JS Taigei (its name means ‘big whale’ and will carry the pennant number 513) represents the successor to the Soryu class in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The class was formerly known as 29SS. The submarine is expected to enter service in March 2022.
This attack class displaces 3,000t and, according to JMSDF data, it measures 84m long, has a beam of 9.1m and
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.
-
![US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies]()
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
