Taigei Class Submarine

Taigei Class Submarine

Type: Submarine

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: Japan

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Kawasaki Heavy Industries

First Deployed: 2022

Overview

Japan's latest-generation diesel-electric submarine featuring lithium-ion battery propulsion — making the JMSDF the first navy in the world to deploy operational submarines with lithium-ion batteries (following the retrofit of the last Soryu-class boat). The lithium-ion batteries provide dramatically improved submerged endurance, faster recharge rates, and higher sustained underwater speed compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, without requiring Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP). Displacement of 3,000 tonnes surfaced. Armed with 533mm torpedo tubes for Type 89 heavyweight torpedoes and Sub Harpoon anti-ship missiles, plus potential future integration of submarine-launched cruise missiles. Features a flank array sonar, towed array, bow-mounted sonar, and advanced noise reduction including anechoic coating and vibration isolation mounts. Crew of approximately 70. Seven boats planned with lead boat JS Taigei (SS-513) commissioned in 2022, maintaining the JMSDF's fleet of 22 operational submarines.

Technical Specifications

armament6x 533mm torpedo tubes; Type 89 torpedoes; Harpoon (UGM-84)
featuresLithium-ion battery (replaces Stirling AIP); flank sonar array
propulsionDiesel-electric with lithium-ion battery
displacement3,000 tonnes submerged

Operators

Related sea Weapon Systems