On March 6, 2024, Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivered the 3,000-ton class Taigei submarine, the “Raigei” (516), to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at their Kobe shipyard. This marks the fourth unit in the Taigei class and the 31st submarine constructed by KHI post-World War II, with its construction cost being approximately 70.2 billion yen (around $470 million). The keel was laid in March 2021, and the vessel was launched on October 17, 2023. The “Raigei” will join the 1st Submarine Division of the 1st Submarine Flotilla at Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. The Taigei class features an 84.5-meter length, 9.1-meter width, and a standard displacement of approximately 3,000 tons, accommodating a crew of 70. Notable advancements include the use of lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance, high-strength steel hull construction, and enhanced acoustic stealth with new sound-absorbing materials. The submarine is powered by two new Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines, achieving submerged speeds up to 20 knots. Equipped with six 533-mm torpedo tubes, the “Raigei” can deploy the Type 18 heavyweight torpedo and UGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles. This class also introduces a reduced electromagnetic and acoustic signature, along with a new combat management system (CMS), and represents a significant step towards incorporating facilities for female crew members. The delivery emphasizes Japan’s focus on advancing its naval capabilities in response to regional security dynamics and reinforces the strategic modernization of the JMSDF.
