Japan's sixth Taigei-class submarine floated out

The future JS Sogei, the sixth Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) ordered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), was recently launched at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Kobe facilities.

Like her sisters, the future Sogei has a length of 84 metres and a hull diameter of 9.1 metres. Upon completion, she will boast lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance, a crew complement of 70, and armament including torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.