Why Japan’s Type 89 Torpedo Is Still Terrifying

Max-Speed of 70 Knots?

The Japan has quite a long history when it comes to both developing and operating torpedos for naval warfare, especially with the now-gone Imperial Japanese Navy heavily focusing on torpedo tactics.

Such obsession with torpedos remain to this day, except in the form of submarine warfare instead of surface-to-surface engagement.

Currently, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) hosts a formidable fleet of 22 submarines with 2 vessels reserved for training, and these underwater ninjas mostly use the Type 89 torpedos.

• General Overview 

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries during the 1980s, the Type 89 torpedo is is categorized as a “long torpedo” due to both its longer length and range compared to the short ones used for close-range anti-submarine warfare on surface ships.

The Type 89 is still the main weapon aboard the “Oyashio-class” and “Soryu-class” submarines, though the latter series is equipped with an improved version called the “Type 89 torpedo (B)” that is compatible with the automatic loading system.

Despite being over thirty-years old, the torpedo’s tracking sensors and maneuverability are effective enough for modern combat. It is equipped with both an active and passive sonar, and can expect accurate hits by using guidance wires.

With its extended range and depth, the Type 89 is said to perform a top speed of 70 knots, which is equivalent to 130 km/h or 80 miles, making it nearly impossible for surface vessels to evade the deadly lance.

Comparison With The Mk48

In sum, the Type 89 torpedo is an old, but still-deadly weapon capable of delivering a fatal blow towards just about any target.

Hence, it is one of JMSDF’s prized assets and is often regarded as a rival of the US-made Mk48 torpedo.

So, how do these two fare when compared?

Although the basic performance as a torpedo are similar, the Type 89 is said to surpass the Mk48 in terms of depth, range, and speed.

As an island nation depending on naval defense, submarines are regarded as strategic weapons in Japan, making torpedo development a top priority as well.

The fact that submarines and torpedos are one of the most heavily guarded military secrets indicate Japan’s emphasis and dedication towards these equipments.

If we take these matters into account, it is not that surprising for the Japanese torpedos to outmatch the US counterparts.

Continued Service

While the Type 89 continues the linage of Japanese torpedos, it is recently concerned to be inadequate against the latest countermeasures such as decoys and jamming techniques.

To address these issues, a new Type 18 torpedo with enhanced detection capabilities was developed and is to be equipped from the latest “Taigei-class” submarines.

But since JMSDF has just managed to achieve its submarine fleet expansion, the Type 89 is expected to stay around for some time as the main armament for the existing submarines.