[Coming soon] JDS Natsushio: The Submarine Hunter

Historical Note

The Harushio-class submarines were an evolutionary advancement of the Yūshio project. While maintaining the original design philosophy, engineers significantly enhanced acoustic stealth, expanded the hull, and upgraded onboard systems. A defining feature of the class was its diesel-electric propulsion system, designed with future modernization in mind. Armament consisted of six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching modern Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The Natsushio was the second boat in the class, commissioned in 1991. A total of seven Harushio-class submarines were built by 1997.

JDS Natsushio (Rank VI)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Equipped with powerful torpedoes and submarine-launched guided missiles; highly maneuverable.
• Weaknesses: Limited operational endurance.
• Opportunities: Capable of executing undetected missile strikes and traditional torpedo attacks from underwater.
• Threats: Extremely vulnerable while surfaced.

In battle

The Japanese submarine JDS Natsushio is an advanced evolution of the well-known Yūshio-class. Sharing many design similarities, it employs familiar tactics, striking with surprise missile launches and torpedo attacks from the depths.

One of JDS Natsushio’s greatest strengths is its armament. At close range, it can deploy 533 mm torpedoes, but its primary weapon is the Harpoon anti-ship missile, adapted for launch through its torpedo tubes. These underwater launches are harder to detect, making them far more difficult to counter with electronic countermeasures. The Harpoon’s powerful warhead can penetrate the defenses of any ship in the game, delivering consistent and high damage.

JDS Natsushio uses a diesel-electric power plant, giving it less endurance than nuclear submarines. However, it outperforms them in maneuverability, both at periscope depth and underwater, allowing for more flexible and aggressive deployment.

Aside from its torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, JDS Natsushio carries no additional armament. When surfacing to replenish oxygen or launch missiles, it becomes highly vulnerable to artillery and air attacks. Mastering the JDS Natsushio demands exceptional situational awareness.

Premium version of the JDS Natsushio (Rank VI)

In the Ship Campaign, only one ship can be taken into battle. Because of this, the Premium version of any ship is not a separate unit, but it completely replaces the standard “gray” version. After obtaining the premium version, the blueprints for the standard version of the ship will disappear from the store and trophies, and the ship itself will become unavailable in trophies and jackpots.

Differences between the Premium and Standard versions:

• the ability to get gold after a battle, according to the daily limit;
• unique premium camouflage;
• fully unlocked upgrades in the Arsenal;
• the ship gets the maximum crew level immediately.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The JDS Natsushio (Rank VI) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Ship Campaign with the start of the new Season.