Hakugei launches at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Works shipyard. (Photo: JMSDF via Twitter)
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.
Forming part of the Reconciliation Bill, the funding will support multiple efforts involving autonomous capabilities, interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
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