A Soryu-class submarine launched by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Photo used for reference only, c/o KHI website. |
Despite just recently launching the 12th and last Soryu-class submarine for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries confirmed that is has been building the second of a new generation 3,000-ton conventional-powered attack submarine since 2018.
The submarine class is still unnamed and is known as “30SS” (Heisei 30 or the 30th year of the reign of the Heisei Emperor Akihito, which is the equivalent of the year 2018 in Japanese calendars). It is estimated to cost around JPY69.7 billion (US$640 million).
The second submarine, which will use the hull number SS-514 is expected to be launched in 2021, and enter service with the JMSDF by March 2023.
It is expected to use technology derived from the later variants of the Soryu-class submarine including the use of lithium ion batteries, reduced noise using a more silent propulsion unit and optimized sound absorbers and reflectors, and improved shock resistance by using a floating floor structure.
[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Japan Ministry of Defense
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