JS Raigei

Raigei (らいげい ) is a diesel-electric submarine of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the fourth boat of the Taigei class. Her name (in kanji as 雷鯨, literally meaning 'thunder whale') has not been used by the Imperial Japanese Navy, making Raigei the first naval vessel to be named in this manner.^[1] Like her older sister ships, Raigei will be fitted with dedicated living quarters for up to six female crew members from the time of commissioning. She is also the first boat to be fitted with the Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engine.^[1]

Raigei during her launch ceremony
History
Japan
Name	Raigei
Ordered	2020
Builder	Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard
Cost	70.2 billion yen
Laid down	26 March 2021
Launched	17 October 2023
Commissioned	8 March 2025
Identification	Pennant number: SS-516
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class and type	Taigei-class submarine
Displacement	3,000 t (3,000 long tons; 3,300 short tons) (standard)
Length	84 m (275 ft 7 in)
Beam	9.1 m (29 ft 10 in)
Depth	10.4 m (34 ft 1 in)
Installed power	6,000 PS (4,400 kW; 5,900 hp)
Propulsion	Diesel-electric transmission, lithium-ion batteries
Crew	70
Sensors and processing systems	OYX-1 Information processing subsystem ZQX-12 1 × ZPS-6H surface search radar ZQQ-8 Integrated Sonar
Armament	6 × HU-606 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes for: Type 89 torpedo or Type 18 torpedo Harpoon (missile)

History

Raigei was laid down on 26 March 2021 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard as the fourth 3,000-ton submarine planned for the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program. She was christened and launched at the same shipyard on 17 October 2023.^[1] After being fitted out and undergoing various sea trials, Raigei was commissioned on 6 March 2025, being deployed to the 1st Submarine Group in Kure.^[2][3][4]