Japan’s next submarine: Kawasaki Heavy Industries presents concept proposal
・To be equipped with stand-off missiles
・Floating deck with excellent impact resistance and acoustic stealth
We will deliver a summary of articles published in ‘Vehicle News’.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group: Vision 2030
~December 12, 2023 (Tuesday) “Group Vision 2030 Progress Report”
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has revealed a concept proposal for its next submarine, following the Taigei-class submarine.
Currently, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are in charge of building submarines for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
However, Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactures all diesel main engines.
Japan’s defense development plan:
The Japanese government announced the “Defense Development Plan” in December 2022.
It includes the development of a submarine equipped with a vertical missile launch system (VLS).
Submarines equipped with VLS:
VLS-equipped submarines are common in the U.S. Navy.
As of 2023, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force does not have any VLS-equipped submarines.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has received an order from the Ministry of Defense to develop the hull form for the next new submarine.
Equipped with stand-off missiles:
It is equipped with stand-off missiles that can attack from outside the enemy’s threat range.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is currently participating in joint research with the Ministry of Defense.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries concept proposal:
The concept proposal revealed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries is unique to the company.
It is very different from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines Soryu and Taigei.
The structure (sail) in the center of the ship has been moved slightly to the rear of the ship.
Many mobility improvements:
1. Equipped with stand-off missiles
2. Bringing together advanced stealth and detection technologies
3. Introduction of carbon dioxide separation and capture technology
“Defense Equipment Agency Technology Symposium 2023”:
The Defense Equipment Agency will also conduct research with an eye toward “changes to unconventional hull shapes and structures.”
Examples of new submarine equipment:
In addition to VLS, he also mentioned a new technology: a “floating deck with excellent impact resistance and acoustic stealth.”
https://trafficnews.jp/post/129894
Kawasaki confirms contract for next-generation submarine design work
Jane’ｓJapan News
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI)
KHI has received a research and development (R&D) contract from the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD)
to design a new class of diesel-electric submarines (SSKs),
a representative from the company confirmed to Janes on 28 December.
which will be able to deploy stand-off missiles with greater ranges.
The boats will be the next generation of SSKs
The boats to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) after the Taigei class.
KHI first released a concept image of this next-generation submarine in a corporate presentation on 12 December.
The boats will have the ability to deploy stand-off missiles.
According to the image,
The vessel will be equipped with Kawasaki engines
it will be incorporated with air-purification devices to separate carbon dioxide from its emissions.
the submarines will feature improved mobility compared with its predecessors, according to the presentation materials.
In addition,
the concept’s diving planes are located on its bow, which is a departure from the design adopted by Japan’s earlier submarines.