Yes, new kit manufacturer, new kit, and their first release. I do dearly wish it were 1/700 scale, but this does give me hope one is not too far off.

First news of it on this board that I know of was this:

https://members.boardhost.com/Warship/msg/1758069062.html

Still, when that was posted, this was nowhere near released. Now, it is looking like it is becoming available. Thank you for the update, and a nice detailed review! Makes me wish it was 1/700 all the more. Ah, well...happy for the 1/350 folks.