"Thunder-Whale" Submarine Handed Over To Japanese Navy

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI)  has delivered JS Raigei, the fourth Taigei-class submarine, to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

A handover ceremony for JS Raigei — whose name translates as “Thunder Whale” — took place at KHI’s Kobe Shipyard on Thursday.

Launched in October 2023, JS Raigei is the 31st submarine to have been built at KHI’s Kobe Shipyard since the Second World War.

The 84-metre-long Taigei-class vessels carry large numbers of lithium-ion batteries, enabling them to travel longer and at higher speeds underwater than conventional diesel-electric submarines.

As per a company press statement, KHI said the vessel “provides superior submerged operation and propulsion performance, and has high water pressure resistance by using high strength steel for its pressure hull.”

It added the boat boasted “a variety of automated systems, improved surveillance capabilities using high-performance sonar, increased stealth capabilities” and “enhanced safety measures.”

Last week’s ceremony was presided over by KHI President and CEO Yasuhiko Hashimoto and Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda, Commander-in-Chief of the Kure District, on behalf of the JMSDF. JS Raigei’s commanding officer is Captain Hayakawa Daishi.

• You can read more details on the KHI website