I-121-class submarine


The I-121-class submarine was a class of submarine in the Imperial Japanese Navy, serving from the 1920s to the Second World War. The IJN classed it as a Kiraisen type submarine. The type name, was shortened to Kirai Fusetsu Sensuikan.

Construction

The Empire of Japan received six U-boats as a reparation payment after World War I. The IJN copied and designed the I-21 class minelaying submarine. Six boats were ordered, of which four were completed, two were cancelled. All boats were built in the Kawasaki Yard at Kobe.

Service

When World War II began, the I-121-class boats were considered obsolete and used as minelayers and supply submarines for flying boats in the Pacific. Three boats of the class were lost in action. The I-121 survived the war and was sunk as a target post war.

Boats in class

Footnotes