Kawasaki confirms contract for next-generation submarine design work

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Soryu-class submarine. The country has embarked on a programme to design the next-generation submarine, which will be able to deploy stand-off missiles with greater ranges. (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (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.

The boats will be the next generation of SSKs 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 presentation was made to provide an update on the company’s ‘Group Vision 2030′ blueprint.

According to the image, the next-generation submarine will be equipped with an X-rudder configuration, which is similar to the form factor adopted by the JMSDF’s Soryu and Taigei classes of submarines. The boats will also have the ability to deploy stand-off missiles.