First Improved Oyashio-class Submarine Fitted with Stirling AIP

Released on Friday, December 14, 2007

The first of the improved Oyashio-class submarine for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) was launched at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' shipyard in Kobe on December 5th 2007. Some 200 guests attended the ceremony at which Admiral Yoshikawa, Chief of Staff JMSDF, traditionally cut the rope for launching. Fitted with Kockums Stirling Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the leading submarine - Soryu - will significantly enhance the boat's stealth and special operations capability.

Gunnar Larsson, CEO of Kockums states:

- This is a major milestone in Kockums long term and successful relationship with Japan, in particular with our industrial partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe. It also recognizes Kockums as a world leading supplier of well proven submarine AIP technology - an informed Japanese customer known to only choose the best. HMS Gotland's joint exercises with the US Navy during two years also evidenced the strength of our submarine technology.

An extensive program has been undertaken in Japan to evaluate Stirling AIP technology with the objective to incorporate that technology on future JMSDF submarines.