Naming and Launching Ceremony for SS Taigei

On October 14th, a ceremony was held at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works to name and launch the first of a new submarine class. It was named Taigei by Minister Kishi.

Taigei means “big whale.” JMSDF submarines are named after marine phenomenon, aquatic animals, and auspicious animals in general.

In order to respond to advances in science and technology and an increasingly severe security environment, the Taigei-class submarine is equipped with a new type of sonar system with improved detection capabilities, a submarine combat management system (CMS) that makes it possible to fully utilize information acquired from onboard equipment, and a hull structure reducing signature

SS Taigei will be commissioned in FY2021 and is expected to play a key role in Japan’s maritime defense.

SS Taigei Specifications

• ▷Standard Displacement: Approx. 3,000t
• ▷Length: 84m
• ▷Beam: 9.1m
• ▷Depth: 10.4m
• ▷Main Engines: Diesel/Electric propulsion (single shaft)
• ▷Main Armaments: Underwater torpedo tube (1)