Named, JS Raigei (“Thunder Whale” in Japanese), the diesel-electric attack sub is the fourth boat of the Taigei-class , which translates to “big whale.”Its launch comes almost exactly one year after the launch of the third Taigei-class sub, JS Jingei (or “Swift Whale”). With a building time of about two years each, Japan has launched a new Taigei-class sub every year since 2020. China’s current sub fleet, numbering some 59 boats, includes approximately 10 improved Kilo-class , 12 Type 039-class , and 21 Type 039A-class diesel-electric attack subs. Japan is building a larger submarine fleet but it is still only about a third the size of China's. AdvertisementJapan has so far launched four Taigei-class submarines since 2018; JS Taigei, JS Hakugei, JS Jingei, and JS Raigei.

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Persons: —, JS, Japan’s, ”, Li Organizations: Service, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, JS Raigei, Jingei, Self, Defense Force, AIP, JS Ōryū, JS Tōryū, JS Taigei, US Navy, Center for Strategic, International Studies, JS Hakugei, JS Jingei Locations: Japan, Kobe, Soviet Union, Russia, China, Beijing, Taiwan, East, South China, Miyako Strait, Philippines, Australia, South