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
| armament | 6x 533mm torpedo tubes; Type 89 torpedoes; Harpoon (UGM-84) |
|---|---|
| features | Lithium-ion battery (replaces Stirling AIP); flank sonar array |
| propulsion | Diesel-electric with lithium-ion battery |
| displacement | 3,000 tonnes submerged |
Operators
- Japan (JMSDF)
Related sea Weapon Systems
- JL-3 SLBM - Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (China)
- IAI Gabriel V - missile (Israel)
- Type 071 Yuzhao - amphibious (China)
- Akya - Heavy Torpedo (Turkey)
- Type 075 LHD - amphibious (China)
- Type 076 LHA - amphibious (China)
- Orka Class Submarine - submarine (Netherlands)
- Type 054A - frigate (China)
- Type 056A Jiangdao - corvette (China)
- AN/SPY-1 - Naval Multi-Function Radar (United States)