Harushio-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,, Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation |
| Year commissioned | 1990 |
| Units | SS-583 HARUSHIO, SS-584 NATSUSHIO, SS-585 HAYASHIO, SS-586 ARASHIO, SS-587 WAKASHIO, SS-588 FUYUSHIO, SS-589 ASASHIO |
Description
The Harushio-class submarines are a series of diesel-electric underwater vessels operated by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). These submarines are renowned for their role in Japan's naval defense and represent an advanced stage in the evolution of Japan's submarine capabilities, improving upon their predecessors, the Yūshio-class submarines. The design enhancements of the Harushio-class include a marginally larger size and significantly better noise reduction systems, making them stealthier beneath the waves.
The origin of the Harushio-class is deeply rooted in Japan's maritime defense strategy. After evaluating the performance and capabilities of the earlier Yūshio-class, the JMSDF commissioned the Harushio-class to bolster its underwater fleet. The naming of these vessels carries a historical reference, as they are named after World War II destroyers, connecting the legacy of Japan's naval past with its modern defense approach. The names include Natsushio, Hayashio, Arashio, and Asashio, which are a tribute to the valorous ships that served during the tumultuous war years.
Design innovations are a hallmark of the Harushio-class. These submarines benefitted from technological advancements that resulted in improved acoustic characteristics, reducing the risk of detection by adversaries. The design emphasis was focused on stealth and efficiency, aiming to provide the JMSDF with a formidable yet discreet maritime deterrent. This design philosophy has been integral to Japan's approach to submarine development over the years.
Armament is a crucial element of any military submarine, and the Harushio-class is no exception. These submarines are equipped with an array of torpedoes designed to engage enemy vessels and protect Japan's territorial waters. The submarines' offensive capabilities are complemented by their defensive mechanisms, which include advanced sonar systems and electronic warfare suites.
In terms of operational history, the Harushio-class has served Japan's maritime interests well. One of the submarines, Asashio, has undergone modifications to test air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, an emerging technology that allows non-nuclear submarines to operate underwater for longer durations without surfacing. Nevertheless, the majority of the Harushio-class submarines have been decommissioned, making way for their successors, the Oyashio-class. The transition signifies the continuous journey of improvement and upgrade in JMSDF's submarine fleet.
The operating country of the Harushio-class is Japan. As a maritime nation with significant interest in maintaining a powerful and modern navy, Japan deploys these submarines to safeguard its waters and contribute to regional stability. The Harushio-class has become a symbol of Japanese maritime prowess, reflecting the country's dedication to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced self-defense posture.
Although the Harushio-class may no longer be at the forefront of Japan's submarine operations due to the arrival of newer classes, its legacy continues to influence the designs of contemporary Japanese submarines. The experience and lessons drawn from the operational history of the Harushio-class have undoubtedly shaped the strategic capabilities of the JMSDF.
Technical specifications
| Harushio | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2450 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 2750 tons |
| Crew | 71 members |
| Width | 10.0 m (32.8 ft) |
| Length | 77.0 m (252.6 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 diesel-electric engine with a power of 7,200 hp - 1 propeller |
| Armament | 6 533mm TLTs (UGM-84 Harpoon, Type 80 ASM torpedoes, Type 89 torpedoes) |
| Maximum speed | 12 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 20 knots |