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Japan Launches Taigei-Class Submarine Shogei as Tokyo Weighs Nuclear Power
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched Shogei, Japan's seventh Taigei-class submarine, at its Kobe shipyard on October 8, 2026. The diesel-electric attack submarine has a standard displacement of 3,000 tonnes and uses lithium-ion batteries, continuing the class that succeeds the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Soryu submarines. Fitting out of the hull, propulsion, electrical equipment and weapons will precede delivery, with delivery scheduled for March 2028. The launch concerns a conventionally powered vessel, while Japan's separate debate over nuclear propulsion and research into a future submarine with vertical missile launchers concern subsequent designs.