Oyashio-class

Summary

Description

The Oyashio class comprises a series of 11 Japanese diesel-electric attack submarines that have been in operation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) since the late 1990s. These vessels are an advancement over the earlier Harushio class, featuring increased size to accommodate a flank sonar array, enhancing their detection capabilities.

The Oyashio class includes submarines that are named after World War II destroyers, such as Oyashio, Michishio, and Kuroshio, as well as Takashio, which shares its name with an unconstructed ship from the Yūgumo-class destroyers. Over the years, the first two submarines of this class, Oyashio and Michishio, have been converted into training platforms. This transition underscores the JMSDF’s commitment to the effective use of its resources and adaptation based on strategic needs.

In terms of design, the Oyashio class is noted for its larger form factor compared to its predecessors, allowing for the integration of advanced sonar technology. The class also boasts a surface displacement of 2,800 tonnes and stretches 82 meters in length, indicative of its formidable presence in the water.

As part of maintaining a robust and capable fleet, the Japanese Ministry of Defence announced in 2018, that seven Oyashio class submarines had undergone significant service-life extension work. These upgrades occurred during their second and third maintenance cycles, aiming to elevate the submarines to the same technological standard as the newer Sōryū-class submarines. This indicates an ongoing effort to extend the operational life and effectiveness of the Oyashio class within the JMSDF's strategic framework.

Technical specifications

Silhouette