Japanese Soryu-class Submarine Hakuryu (SS503) visits Guam in 2013. [US Navy]

Soryu-class Diesel Electric Submarines

Japan launched its seventh Soryu-class submarine in October, 2014. The Soryu-class submarines are the most advanced non-nuclear attack submarines in the Japanese Self Defense Force.

It has four Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) units that allow prolonged travel while submerged and is armed with six bow-mounted torpedo tubes, with a total of 20 Type 89 high-speed homing torpedoes and American-made Sub-Harpoon missiles.

Its major missions include anti-submarine, laying mines and collecting intelligence. It is a multi-role conventional submarine that is capable of offshore patrol and ocean-going combat.