JS Hakugei

JS Hakugei , "White Sperm Whale", is the second boat of the attack submarine of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The submarine was ordered from Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 2018 and laid down on 25 January 2019 at Kobe, Japan. Hakugei was launched on 14 October 2021. She was commissioned in March 2023.

Development and design

The hull design of the Taigei class is said to not differ too much from the operational but will be 100 tons heavier than its predecessor. However, the Taigei-class submarines will be more advanced as they are equipped with newer equipment such as sonar and snorkel power generation systems. The Taigei class will use lithium-ion batteries, much like and of the Sōryū-class submarines. The submarine will likely use the Type 18 torpedo, which project name as "G-RX6". In addition, in response to the lifting of restrictions on the placement of female SDF personnel on submarines, the work of female SDF personnel is being supported by establishing partitions in the living quarters and separate sleeping quarters for women.

Construction and career

Hakugei was laid down at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard on 25 January 2019 as the 2017 plan 3000-ton submarine No. 8129 based on the medium-term defense capability development plan, and in 2020. It was named Hakugei at the naming and launching ceremony held at the factory on 14 October. It was handed over to the Maritime Self-Defense Force on 20 March 2022.