Sogei, the sixth of eight planned Taigei-class submarines for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has been launched at Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).
The new boat, whose name translates as “Blue Whale”, is the 32nd built at KHI’s Kobe shipyard close to Tokyo since World War II. It was launched in a special ceremony staged on Tuesday.
Four boats each in the class are being built by KHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI); MHI launched its third submarine, Chogei, in October 2024. The previous KHI boat, Raigei, was commissioned into service in March this year.
The Sogei is expected to follow suit in March 2027 once she has undergone the usual fitting-out, sea trials, and final-test processes.
The diesel-electric Taigei-class attack subs, slightly heavier than the Soryu class they replace, are 84m long, just over 9m wide and displace about 3,000 tons. They also carry lithium-ion battery systems affording them extended underwater endurance in comparison to other conventionally-powered submarines.
As per a company press statement, KHI said the vessel “provides superior submerged operation and propulsion performance, and has high water pressure resistance by using high strength steel for its pressure hull.”
It added the boat boasted “a variety of automated systems, improved surveillance capabilities using high-performance sonar… [and] increased stealth capabilities.”
- You can read more details on the Kawasaki Heavy Industries website