Mitsubishi launches lead ship of new submarine class for Japan

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the first ship in a new class of diesel-electric attack submarines slated for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF).

The future JS Taigei and its sisters are being constructed as modified variants of the Sōryū-class submarines currently in service with the JMSDF. Each will have a length of 84 metres, a hull diameter of 9.1 metres, a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, lithium-ion batteries, and an armament consisting of torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The future Taigei is expected to be commissioned into service by March 2022.

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