Japan's 'dragon' submarine leaves Kawasaki Heavy dock

Toryu is among the nation's largest, with 2,950-ton displacement

20191106N Kawasaki Heavy sub

Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Toryu submarine is introduced Nov. 6 at a launch ceremony in Kobe, Japan.

NAOKI HORI, Nikkei staff writer

KOBE, Japan -- The advanced Toryu submarine built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries debuted to much fanfare in a launch ceremony Wednesday.

The 84-meter-long vessel, the latest Soryu-class diesel submarine, can reach speeds of about 20 knots underwater. Its 2,950-ton displacement is among the largest for a Japanese submarine. Lithium-ion battery technology improves its capabilities beneath the waves.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.