JS Hakugei
JS "Hakugei" (SS-514), "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. Delivery is expected in 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 systems, snorkel power generation system. The "Taigei" class will use lithium-ion batteries much like JS Ōryū and JS Tōryū 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 securing bedrooms 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 (26 medium-term defense), and in 2020. It was named "Hakugei" at the naming and launching ceremony held at the factory on 14 October. Scheduled to be handed over to the Maritime Self-Defense Force in March 2023, the deployment destination is undecided.