Japan has strengthened its undersea warfare capabilities with the induction of a new unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) into its maritime defense inventory. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) revealed the addition via social media, displaying at least six black, domestically produced UUVs at an undisclosed location.
Although the exact model has not been officially identified, the platform reportedly has a 533-millimeter diameter, comparable to modern heavyweight torpedoes, and is believed to use a torpedo-tube launch and recovery system, allowing deployment directly from submarines.
Designed for missions including subsea surveillance, maritime security, and underwater monitoring, the new UUV highlights Japan’s broader effort to integrate unmanned systems into its naval force structure. “JMSDF is steadily building up defense capabilities, including unmanned assets, to enhance deterrence and response,” the service stated.
The program traces back to 2019, when Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) launched parallel development efforts for two UUV types. Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries developed the Type-1 design, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries led development of the Type-2 variant. Initial procurement orders were placed in 2021.
