The diesel-electric subs are part of Tokyo's efforts to introduce a policy of sea denial to improve the maritime security of the country and to demonstrate deterrence against the increasing assertiveness of China in the eastern Pacific region.

At the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Kobe, Taigei, meaning giant whale, was launched, and it is the first of the class to succeed the new Soryu-class ships of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

As the S9SS class, equipped with lithium-ion batteries as its power source, the three-thousand-ton diesel-electric attack submarines were built.

Japan is the first country to have operational submarines that use lithium-ion batteries that need less maintenance and provide high speeds with long endurance. They have upgraded command systems for sonar and war, while advanced acoustic absorbent materials and a floating floor structure are fitted to minimize noise.

The Taigei is armed with six torpedo and cruise missile 533-millimeter tube launchers and is also equipped with Torpedo Counter Measures, which can be used to launch decoys to evade enemy torpedoes and provide enhanced survivability.

Maritime Business World