Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has held a ceremony marking the launch of the submarine Sougei, built for the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD).
As informed, the ceremony took place at KHI’s No.1 Building Berth in Kobe Shipyard on October 14, 2025. The submarine is the sixth Taigei class submarine, and the 32nd built at Kawasaki Kobe shipyard after World War II.
Construction of the submarine began on March 28, 2023. The vessel is scheduled for completion in March 2027, following a comprehensive period of fitting-out, sea trials, and final testing.
Measuring 84 meters in length with a beam of 9.1 meters and a depth of 10.4 meters, Sougei has a displacement of approximately 3,000 tons. The submarine is powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/31-type diesel engines and one electric propulsion motor.
The vessel has lithium-ion battery systems for increased underwater endurance, a variety of automated systems, improved surveillance capabilities using high-performance sonar, increased stealth capabilities, enhanced safety measures, and several facilities for female crew members.
The launch marks another milestone in Japan’s ongoing effort to modernize its submarine fleet, strengthening the nation’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In March this year, KHI launched the fourth vessel in this class, Raigei.
The Taigei-class is the latest class of diesel-electric attack submarines developed for Japan, which is scheduled to replace the Sōryū-class.