Overview

• A naming and launching ceremony was held on Oct. 14 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Kobe plant with about 1,400 attendees, including Defense Ministry officials.
• Sougei is the sixth boat of the Taigei class and is slated for commissioning in March 2027.
• The submarine measures 84 meters in length with a 9.1-meter beam, displaces about 3,000 tons standard, and carries a crew of roughly 70.
• New diesel engines and lithium-ion batteries are intended to extend submerged operations compared with the preceding Soryu class.
• Construction cost totals about ¥73.6 billion, roughly ¥5.2 billion more than sister ship Chogei due to higher material prices, and the design includes a women-only berthing area for up to six sailors.