National Security Journal on MSN

Japan’s new Taigei-class ‘Big Whale’ submarine has a message for the US Navy

Japan’s Taigei-class submarine—the “Big Whale”—is the first submarine class designed entirely around lithium-ion batteries, ...
National Security Journal on MSNOpinion

A Swedish diesel-electric submarine sank a US aircraft carrier in a 2005 war game — and the Pentagon kept the lesson quiet

In a 2005 U.S. Navy war game, a Swedish Stirling AIP-powered Gotland-class submarine slipped past the screen and “sank” a U.S ...
The Diplomat

Former Defense Minister Nakatani Says Japan’s Next Submarine ‘Will Eventually Need Nuclear Propulsion’

If Tokyo acquires nuclear-powered subs, it would be a significant strategic shift for the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings. In this May 31, 2025 file photo, Japan’s then-Defense Minister ...
The Diplomat

Panel Urges Japan to Use ‘Next-Generation Propulsion Systems’ in New Submarines

JS Raigei, the fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Credit: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) A Japanese Defense Ministry panel called ...
East Asia Forum

Submarines could anchor an Australia–Japan pact

With US shipbuilding faltering and China’s navy surging ahead, Australia and Japan should formalise their growing security partnership into a full defence alliance — anchored by the joint development ...
The National Interest

Four Reasons Japan Is Pouring Money into Its Submarine Fleet

Diesel-electric submarines like the Taigei class offer Japan a fearsome weapon against China—at a fraction of the cost of cutting-edge American ones. Japan loves submarines—as it should. Last week, ...
The National Interest

Japan Is Becoming a Submarine Powerhouse

Japan now operates five cutting-edge Taigei-class submarines, in addition to its 12 Soryu-class and 6 Oyashio-class vessels. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its fifth Taigei ...