Japan's fourth Taigei-class submarine commissioned into service

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) commissioned a new submarine into service during a ceremony at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' facilities in Kobe on Thursday, March 6.

JS Raigei is the fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) ordered by the JMSDF. It has a length of 84 metres, a hull diameter of 9.1 metres, lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance, a crew complement of 70, and armament including torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The Taigei-class SSKs are modified variants of the Soryu-class submarines that have been in service with the JMSDF since 2009. JS Taigei, JS Hakugei, and JS Jingei are the first three boats in the class to enter service while the future JS Chogei is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.

The Taigei-class boats all utilise a similar overall hull design as the Soryu-class but with a heavier displacement to accommodate advanced sonar and snorkel systems. The newer boats were also designed to accommodate lithium-ion batteries, whereas all but one of the Soryu-class boats were originally equipped with traditional lead-acid batteries.

Raigei is also the first Taigei-class submarine to also feature berthing spaces for female crewmembers.