Japan has bolstered its undersea force by adding a new unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to its growing fleet for maritime defense assets.
The country’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) highlighted the acquisition on social media, showcasing at least six black, domestically produced UUVs at an undisclosed location.
While the exact model remains unknown, the platform has a reported diameter of 533 millimeters, much like modern heavyweight torpedoes.
It also reportedly uses a torpedo tube-launch system, enabling submarine launch and recovery.
Built for roles spanning subsea monitoring and maritime security, the UUV underscores Japan’s push to integrate unmanned capabilities into its broader naval force architecture.
“JMSDF is steadily building up defense capabilities, including unmanned assets, to enhance deterrence and response,” JMSDF stated.
From Lab to Field
Development began in 2019 when Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency launched programs for two vehicle types.
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries developed one design (Type-1), while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries led the other (Type-2).
Initial units were ordered in 2021.
