Japanese Ministry of Defence awarded Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) a research and development contract to design a new class of diesel-electric attack submarines. The new class of submarines will be next-generation diesel-electric attack submarines that will serve in the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) to succeed the Taigei-class submarines. KHI released the first concept images of the next-generation submarine in a corporate presentation on December 12, 2023.
According to the analysis of the photo, the rudder design of the future submarine will be in the shape of an X, which is comparable to the rudder design that is utilised on the Soryu-class and Taigei-class submarines of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.
In response to Jane’s questions, KHI said it is engaging with the Japanese Ministry of Defence to study the deployment of Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) to submarines.
Air-purification systems will be incorporated into the future submarine, which will be equipped with Kawasaki engines. These devices will be used to extract carbon dioxide from exhaust fumes that generate pollution.
In addition, future submarines will have features of increased manoeuvrability compared to previous submarines.
In addition, the concept of pan-fin diving planes is positioned at the submarine’s bow. This differs from the design used in previous Japanese submarines.
Unlike previous submarines, the sail concept is located in the centre of the submarine’s hull and is slightly closer to the stern than the bow.
