The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force held a naming and launching ceremony for its largest “Oguro-class” submarine, the fifth ship named “Chohogu,” on Friday, October 4. The submarine is expected to enter service in March 2026.
The “Chohogu” has a total length of 84 meters and is the most advanced lithium battery-powered submarine in the Japanese fleet.
According to a report by Japan’s Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS), the 3000-ton displacement submarine “Chohogu” had its naming and launching ceremony at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard on Friday.
Following the lead ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the “Soryu class,” the “Oguro-class” submarine “Chohogu” is the fifth ship of its kind and the largest submarine in the Japanese fleet. The total construction cost is approximately 64.8 billion Japanese yen (about 440 million US dollars).
The “Chohogu” is an advanced lithium battery submarine powered by diesel and lithium batteries. Compared to submarines that traditionally use lead-acid batteries, the “Chohogu” operates more quietly and has a longer underwater endurance.
The “Chohogu” is part of Japan’s plan to build submarines in the fiscal year 2021 and construction began in April 2022. After completing interior fitting and performance testing, the submarine is scheduled to be delivered to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in March 2026.