Japan launches second Taigei-class submarine
Hakugei launches at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Works shipyard. (Photo: JMSDF via Twitter)
The future JS Hakugei is Japan’s fourth lithium-ion battery-equipped submarine, following Taigei and the final two boats of the Soryu-class.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has launched the second Taigei-class submarine, Hakugei, at its Kobe Works shipyard.
Officials from the country's MoD attended the launch ceremony on 14 October.
Construction of the second-in-class submarine for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) began in January 2019, and Hakugei is expected to be completed in March 2023.
Japan launched the first of the new diesel-electric submarine class, Taigei, in October 2020.
Shephard previously reported that the Taigei-class is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which the JMSDF believes offers advantages in endurance and maintenance when compared to lead-acid batteries.
Shephard Defence Insight notes up to seven boats are planned to supplement the Soryu-class.
The Taigei-class submarines are being built by KHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Ireland releases maritime strategy as it looks to new naval bases and stronger partnerships]()
Ireland releases maritime strategy as it looks to new naval bases and stronger partnerships
Ireland has a maritime area ten times the size of its land mass but has a limited naval capacity and faces an ongoing threat to critical underwater infrastructure. A new strategy is looking to address the challenge.
-
![What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?]()
What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?
Collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II extends beyond the core trilateral agreement, presenting global opportunities for companies with advanced technologies.
-
![Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver]()
Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
-
![US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes]()
US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
-
![Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms]()
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
