In recent hours, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force celebrated the launch of one of its new Taigei-class attack submarines at the Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. During this event, the fifth unit of the class was named Chougei.
The Chougei, with the pennant number SS 517, is the fifth attack submarine of the new Taigei class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. With a displacement of 3,000 tons, the submarine is equipped with new high-power Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines, similar to the fourth submarine of the class, the Raigei.
Its construction required an investment of $443 million and it can accommodate a crew of approximately 70 people, with an overall length of 84 meters, a beam of 9.1 meters, and a draft of 10.4 meters. The unit is expected to enter service in March 2026.
The Taigei Class
Regarding the new engines, up to the third submarine of the class, the Jingei, two Kawasaki 12V 25/25SB diesel engines were used as the main engines. However, starting with the Raigei, the new, more powerful Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines were introduced for the first time. These new diesel engines are compatible with an improved energy generation snorkel system.
On the other hand, the JMSDF stated that the Taigei class is equipped with lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid batteries, similar to the last two boats of the Soryu class for the JMSDF: Oryu (SS 511) and Toryu (SS 512). The class also employs a new Combat Management System (CMS) that integrates advanced sensors, command and control, and weapon activation systems, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
Regarding upcoming units, the sixth submarine of the Taigei class is being constructed at the KHI Kobe plant, while the seventh is being built at the MHI Kobe shipyard. Since the Ministry of Defense has already requested the construction costs for the ninth submarine of the class in next year’s budget, it is expected that the new, larger submarines equipped with these new systems will not actually be operational until 2031 or later, after the tenth submarine of the Taigei class.
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