Kawasaki Heavy Industries has launched the future Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine JS Hakugei.
The submarine is the second of a planned seven Taigei-class boats to be built by Kawasaki for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). It measures 84 by 9.1 metres and will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance.
Kawasaki expects the submarine will be completed by March 2023.