The Kongō-class is a group of four battlecruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early 20th century. They were designed to be fast and heavily armed, featuring a combination of speed and firepower that made them formidable in naval warfare. The class includes the ships Kongō, Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima, all of which played significant roles during World War II. Originally commissioned between 1913 and 1917, the Kongō-class underwent several modernizations throughout their service life. These upgrades included improved armor and weaponry, allowing them to remain competitive against newer naval vessels. The class is notable for its involvement in key battles, such as the Battle of the Java Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.