The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned the “Raigey,” the fourth diesel-electric submarine of the Taigei class, which was launched on March 6 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Kobe shipyard. The Raigey, meaning “Thunder Whale,” is equipped with a 6,000-horsepower diesel-electric propulsion system and can reach a maximum underwater speed of 20 knots. Unlike its predecessors, which utilized Kawasaki 12V 25/25SB engines, Raigey features enhanced 12V 25/31 engines. This submarine operates with lithium-ion batteries supplied by GS Yuasa, marking Japan as the first nation to deploy submarines using this advanced technology, a trend anticipated to be adopted by South Korea for its KSS-III class. The Taigei class subs measure 84 meters in length, 9.1 meters in width, and displace approximately 3,000 tons, with some design improvements over the previous Soryu class. Notably, the crew capacity accommodates around 70 personnel, including dedicated compartments for female crew members. The commissioning of the Raigey, alongside an advancing fleet of modern submarines, strengthens Japan’s maritime defense capabilities amid regional security dynamics.
