Taigei vs Type 209

The Taigei and the Type 209 are both Submarine classes. The Taigei displaces 3,000 tons — 2.3x the Type 209's 1,285 tons. The Taigei reaches 13 knots vs 11 knots for the Type 209. The Taigei carries a crew of 70 vs 36 for the Type 209. The Taigei was produced in 4 units vs 68 for the Type 209. Cost per hull is $635M for the Taigei vs $285M for the Type 209. The Taigei was commissioned in 2022, 51 years after the Type 209 (1971).

Japanese attack submarine, introduced in 2022, utilizes lithium-ion batteries for propulsion.
Origin 🇯🇵 Japan
Category Submarine
Type Attack submarine
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Year introduced 2022
Number built 4 units
Estimated unit price $635 million
German diesel-electric submarine, introduced in 1971, displaces 1,285 tons.
Origin 🇩🇪 Germany
Category Submarine
Type Diesel-electric attack submarines
Manufacturer Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft
Year introduced 1971
Number built 68 units
Estimated unit price $285 million
Displacement 3,000 tons
Maximum speed 13.0 knots
Range NA
Length 84.0 m
Beam 9.1 m
Crew 70
Max depth NA
Propulsion lithium-ion batteries, snorkel power generation system
Armament
  • 6 × HU-606 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
  • Type 18 torpedo
  • Harpoon (missile)
Displacement 1,285 tons
Maximum speed 11.0 knots
Range 11,000 nm at 10 knots
Length 64.4 m
Beam 6.5 m
Crew 36
Max depth 500 m
Propulsion Diesel-electric, 4 diesels, 1 shaft, 6,100 shp (4,500 kW)
Armament
  • 8 x 533 mm torpedo tubes
  • 14 torpedoes
  • UGM-84 Harpoon missiles
  • SeaHake mod 4 torpedoes
  • SUT torpedoes
  • SST torpedoes
  • Mark 24 Tigerfish torpedoes
  • DM2A3 torpedoes
  • Blackshark torpedoes
  • A184 mod. 3 torpedoes
  • DM2A4 torpedoes
  • Mark 37 torpedoes
  • Mark 48 torpedoes
  • Mines

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Taigei-class has greater displacement at 3,000 tons compared to the Type 209-class's 1,285 tons.
Which is faster, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Taigei-class is faster with a maximum speed of 13 knots compared to the Type 209-class's 11 knots.
Which has longer range, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Type 209-class has a longer range at 11,000 nautical miles compared to the Taigei-class's 0 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Taigei-class is longer at 84.0 meters compared to the Type 209-class's 64.4 meters.
How many crew members do the Taigei-class and Type 209-class have?
The Taigei-class has a larger crew complement of 70 compared to the Type 209-class's 36 crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Taigei-class is more expensive at approximately $635 million per unit compared to the Type 209-class at $285 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Taigei-class or Type 209-class?
The Type 209-class has been built in greater numbers with 68 vessels compared to 4 vessels of the Taigei-class.