Japan's fourth Taigei-class submarine, JS Raigei , which was commissioned on 6 March 2025. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
Japan has commissioned its fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK).
The boat, which has been named JS Raigei , was inducted on 6 March, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) disclosed in a post via its official social media page on the same day.
Raigei was launched by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in October 2023 as part of plans to equip the JMSDF with a fleet of lithium-ion battery-fitted submarines.
The Taigei class displaces about 3,000 tonnes when surfaced and has an overall length of about 84 m, an overall beam of 9.1 m, and a hull draught of about 8.5 m. The SSK can accommodate a crew complement of 70, and this includes a separate compartment for female crew members.
Its form factor incorporates an X-configuration stern rudder, which provides the boat with better manoeuvring capabilities in shallower waters.
Raigei is powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25SB diesel engines, and it can attain top speeds in excess of 20 kt when dived.
In terms of sensors, the class is equipped with bow- and flank-mounted sonars and will also be able to deploy towed array sensors.
For weapons, Raigei is armed with six 533 mm tubes that can deploy the Type 89 wire-guided torpedo, which can strike targets at distances of up to 50 km away.
All submarines across the Taigei class are also expected to deploy Japan's future Type 18 heavyweight torpedoes and the UGM-84L Harpoon submarine-launched anti-ship missile in due course.
For more information on the Taigei class, please seeTaigei class (SSK).
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