By DAISUKE YAJIMA/ Staff Writer
August 29, 2025 at 12:51 JST
One of Japan’s leading shipbuilders is facing yet another round of scrutiny for its submarine construction work after coming under fire for cozying up to submarine crew members.
Sources have revealed suspicions that Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. may have falsified fuel consumption data for the engines used in submarines built for the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
This month, KHI reportedly informed the Defense Ministry of these concerns.
In August 2024, KHI acknowledged falsifying fuel efficiency data for engines used in commercial vessels.
According to sources close to the government, a special investigative committee, made up of external experts, launched an inquiry into these irregularities. During their investigation, they discovered indications of a possible falsification relating to the fuel data for submarine engines as well.
The committee is now conducting a thorough examination of the facts.
The MSDF currently operates 25 submarines, which were constructed in roughly equal numbers by KHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
KHI previously came under fire for allegedly creating a large clandestine slush fund using money from the defense budget to finance submarine repair operations.
A special investigative committee report released in late December found that this money instead was used to entertain and give gifts to MSDF submarine crew members.
This revelation prompted the Defense Ministry to conduct a special defense audit of the company.
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