Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) launched the 7th TAIGEI-class submarine, named SHOGEI, at its Kobe Shipyard on 8 October.
The 3,000-ton diesel-electric submarines are being built for the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) as successors to the SORYU-class.
The JMSDF commissioned the lead boat TAIGEI (Great Whale or Big Whale in Japanese) into service in March 2022. SHOGEI (Soaring Whale) is scheduled for delivery to the JMSDF in March 2028.
MHI said that the submarine would undergo outfitting work including the hull, engines, electrical systems, and weapons, before delivery. MHI said it would continue to address customer challenges related to manpower reduction and lifecycle cost reduction, while developing new submarines that go beyond conventional designs.
The fifth submarine, CHOGEI, was launched at MHI’s Kobe shipyard in October 2024.
TAIGEI-class submarines are being manufactured by MHI and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI). The submarines have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes and a crew of approximately 70 people. They feature a new high-performance sonar system with improved detection capabilities, high strength steel pressure hull and a lithium-ion battery system.
The ninth and tenth submarines of the class are expected to cost approximately ¥116 billion (approximately €627 million) and ¥121 billion (approximately €654 million) respectively, as per information released by Japan’s Ministry of Defence.
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