The Kongō-class battleship was a class of fast battleships built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early 20th century. The class included four ships: Kongō, Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima. They were notable for their speed and firepower, designed to engage enemy fleets effectively. Commissioned between 1913 and 1917, the Kongō-class battleships underwent several modernizations throughout their service. They played significant roles in various naval battles during World War II, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, before being ultimately sunk or decommissioned after the war.