JMSDF Commissioned its 9th Soryu-class SSK SS-509 JS Seiryu.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its 9th Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) in Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture on March 12, 2018. JS Seiryu (SS-509) joins the JMSDF’s Submarine Flotilla 2, based in Yokosuka.

JS Seiryu (SS-509) during the commissioning ceremony March 12, 2018. Photo: JMSDF

JS Seiryu is the 9th Soryu-class submarine supplied to the JMSDF (the 5th built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the other four ones having been built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries). Seiryu (せいりゅう) means Green Dragon. SS-509's keel was laid in October 2013, the SSK was launched in October 2016.

The keel for the first submarine in the class, Soryu (SS-501), was laid down in March 2005. It was launched in December 2007 and commissioned in March 2009.

The latest Soryu class SSK SS-508 Sekiryu was commissioned on 13 March 2017.

 JS Seiryu (SS-509) during the commissioning ceremony March 12, 2018. Photo: JMSDF

Ten Soryu-class submarines are planned for the JMSDF. The class is an improved version of the Oyashio Class submarine. Soryu-class submarines are the world's largest conventionally powered submarines. They have an excellent operational track record and are equipped with state-of-the art technologies, including air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems that enable them to remain fully submerged for long periods of time, and advanced stealth technologies that make them more difficult to detect.

Main characteristics (as provided by Kawasaki Heavy Industries):
Length 84.0m
Width 9.1m
Depth 10.3m
Draft 8.4m
Displacement 2,950 Tons
Engine:
- Kawasaki 12V 25 / 25SB type diesel engine 2 groups
- Kawasaki Kokkamusu V4-275R Stirling engine four
Propulsion motor: 1 groups
Number of axes: 1 axis
Speed 20 knots

Link to Soryu Class 16SS SSK Submarine technical datasheet