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Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva are now on their way back to the United States from Russia.

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The United States applauds the Venezuelan people for their participation in the July 28 presidential election despite significant challenges.

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Summary and Key Points: Japan's Soryu-class submarines, introduced in 2009, are a key component of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as tensions rise in the South China Sea.

-Equipped with advanced lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance and quieter Kockums Stirling engines, these submarines are designed for stealth and efficiency.

-Each Soryu-class submarine features six torpedo tubes capable of launching Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, making them formidable in potential conflicts with China or North Korea.

-Interest in the Soryu-class has extended internationally, with several countries considering procurement, although Japan remains the sole operator for now.

Soryu-class Subs from Japan

In order to push back at a hostile China and a nuclear North Korea, Japan is modernizing its naval capabilities. 

Tensions in the South China Sea are only growing, as outlined in Tokyo’s annual white paper released earlier this month. 

If a full-blown conflict were to erupt, Japan would likely lean on its advanced fleets of Soryu- and Taigei-class submarines.

The Taigei-class is the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s newest stealth submarine. With its weapons capacity, high-strength steel, and lithium-ion batteries designed for greater underwater endurance, these boats are widely considered some of the best in service today. 

However, the Taigei’s predecessor should not be overlooked. In fact, Japan’s Soryu-class boats share some impressive attributes with their Taigei counterparts.

Introducing the Soryu-Class

Japan’s first air-independent propulsion submarine class was introduced to service in 2009. Compared to previous submarine classes with lead-acid batteries, the Soryu’s lithium-ion batteries provide greater power storage. 

Since submarines are most vulnerable to detection and enemy attack while surfaced, technologies that keep these boats underwater for longer stretches of time are vital. Lithium-ion batteries recharge more quickly than lead-acid batteries. The class’s eleventh submarine, Oryu, is the first to mount these batteries. 

Specs & Capabilities

Soryu submarines are equipped with Kockums Naval Solutions Stirling engines adapted from engines used in Sweden. As explained previously by Caleb Larson, “The unique engine uses bottled liquid oxygen so that the engine’s diesel fuel can combust. The advantage of this propulsion system is that it runs much quieter than a traditional diesel engine. Furthermore, its range is estimated to be around 6,100 miles or about 9,800 kilometers.”

The lead ship of the class, Soryu, commissioned in 2009, was followed by Unryu, Hakuryu, Kenryu, Zuiryu, Kokuryu, Jinryu, Sekiryu, Seriyu, Shoryu and Oryu. Each Soryu submarine measures 84 meters in length and can sail up to 20 knots when fully submerged. 

Each submarine features six HU-606 533 mm torpedo tubes for Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, according to Naval Technology. The Soryu boats also field cutting-edge sensors, radars and countermeasures.

The Soryu subs are so impressive that several nations have approached Tokyo about possible procurements. Morocco, India, Norway, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Australia have expressed interest in purchasing the submarine-class. While Japan remains the only country today to field these impressive boats, future deals could permit the Soryu ships to sail for other nations down the line. 

About the Author: Maya Carlin

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

All images are Creative Commons. 

The head of the Russian Defence Ministry congratulated the personnel of the Gorlovka 132th separate guard motor rifle brigade on liberation of Leninskoe of the Donetsk People's Republic.

The Navy units involved in the scheduled exercises in operative zones of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic fleets, and in the Caspian Flotilla area of responsibility are completing their missions. Soon, the ships participated in the drills will return to the base.

In the course of the third phase of non-strategic nuclear forces drills, military personnel of missile formations of Southern and Central military districts and aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces were engaged in training on receiving special training ammunition, entering designated areas, and equip launch vehicles and aviation strike assets.

The Bastion coastal missile crews of Northeastern Group of Troops and Forces held a tactical training on Matua Island, the Kuril Islands.

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Summary and Key Points: The F-16s Ukraine is getting are likely to be used conservatively, primarily for air defense roles such as shooting down missiles, drones, and enemy aircraft rather than engaging directly with Russian ground forces.

-Due to the threat posed by advanced Russian air defense systems, Ukrainian pilots may avoid using these aircraft in the most dangerous combat zones.

While more F-16s are expected to arrive from NATO countries like Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, these deliveries will take years. Therefore, the impact of the F-16s on the -conflict may be limited in the short term, contrary to the high expectations set by Ukrainian officials.

The Great F-16 Fighter: Can It Truly Help Ukraine? 

After months of lobbying, Ukraine has finally received their first batch of F-16 fighters, which Zelensky’s government believes are crucial in pushing back against the Russian invasion.

“Ukraine has been pushing its Western allies for F-16s for Ukraine for months,” the AP reported, “saying they were critically needed to fight back against the onslaught of missiles Russia has fired against it.”

The US had been hesitant to supply F-16s to the Ukrainians for fear that gifting fourth-generation fighters would further escalate the war, which is now in year three. But Zelensky, who has proven an effective advocate for his country’s security, has continued to press NATO allies for all variety of weaponry.

Zelensky was in Washington earlier this month, urging lawmakers to “remove all limitations on how Western-provided weapons are used,” the AP reported, “specifically allowing Ukraine to fire Western-provided weapons against an expanded set of Russian targets.”

President Joe Biden relented, authorizing the delivery of the F-16s. Exactly how many F-16s were delivered to Ukraine, and from which NATO member the F-16 was delivered, is not clear; the Ukrainian government hasn’t even confirmed the receipt of the single-engine fighters.

But the F-16s have arrived and will soon see combat above the skies of Ukraine. Whether the F-16s will make a substantial difference in the conflict remains to be seen, but it seems unlikely that the Cold War fighter will offer an immediate panacea for Ukraine’s deficiencies.

Will the F-16 make a difference?

Ukrainian officials have said that Ukraine needs at least 130 F-16 fighters to neutralize Russian air power. While the exact number of F-16s sent to Ukraine is unknown, we can assume its far fewer than 130. According to the Washington Post, Ukraine will have far too few F-16s, which will be quite susceptible to advanced Russian air defense systems, meaning the F-16s will probably be used in a conservative manner – “to shoot down aerial targets such as missiles, drones, and aircraft – rather than strike Russia’s invading ground forces and other military assets near the front.” So, the F-16 will be used to boost Ukraine’s air defense systems, which adds value to the war effort, of course – but the F-16 is not going to offer the paradigm shift in the conflict that Zelensky had advertised.

Ukraine can be expected to treat the gifted F-16s, and the pilots who have recently graduated from an intensive F-16 training program, to be treated preciously, preserved from the most dangerous action. “Official have said that the planes, at least initially, are unlikely to fly too close to the front-line fighting, meaning it is unclear they will even be able to deter attacking enemy aircraft from crossing into Ukraine from Russian airspace,” the Washington Post reported.   

More F-16s are likely on the way; NATO members including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have vowed to supply Ukraine with 80 F-16s, but their donations will take years, meaning Ukraine will have to use their existing F-16s sparingly in the meantime.

In sum, don’t expect the much-touted F-16s to make a drastic difference in Ukraine’s resistance.

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image Credit: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock. 

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