Japan received the world's first lithium-ion battery submarine - it costs $5.4 billion and can carry up to 30 missiles

The Japanese company Kawasaki Heavy Industries handed over to the Ministry of Defense the world's first submarine equipped

lithium-ion batteries. The Taigei-class submarine is called Hakugei, which translates to “White Whale.” It was presented in the fall of 2020.

What is known

It cannot be said that Hakugei is an electricSubmarine. Lithium-ion batteries allow her to stay underwater longer. At the same time, the submarine is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric engine.

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The advantage of such a power plant is that the Hakugei moves almost silently and has a minimal thermal footprint. The energy boost allows the submarine to accelerate rapidly.

The hakugei is 84 meters long and has a displacement of 3,000 tons. The maximum speed of the submarine is 20 knots (37 km/h). The submarine is capable of carrying up to 30 missiles.

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The release of Taigei-class submarines is part ofJapan's efforts to modernize the navy. Hakugei became the first Taigei-class submarine. Its cost is approximately $ 5.4 billion. By 2030, the Land of the Rising Sun wants to receive 12 submarines.