Japan’s next submarine: Kawasaki Heavy Industries presents concept proposal

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

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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.

自衛隊 変貌の先に〜“専守防衛”はいま〜 - NHKスペシャル - NHK

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).

潜水艦の長射程ミサイル 魚雷型で28年度にも前倒し配備 - 日本経済新聞

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.

長射程ミサイル、潜水艦搭載を前倒し - 日本経済新聞

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

潜水艦構造様式の研究

“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.

Kawasaki Heavy Industry unveils new submarine concept with VLS - Naval News

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.

Submarine atmosphere regeneration

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.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/kawasaki-confirms-contract-for-next-generation-submarine-design-work