List of active Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships

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JMSDF ensign of Japan. Naval Ensign of Japan.svg
JMSDF ensign of Japan.

List of active ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is a list of ships in active service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Contents

The JMSDF is one of the world's largest navies, and the second largest navy in Asia in terms of fleet tonnage. [1] As of 2024, the JMSDF operates a total of 155 vessels (including minor auxiliary vessels), including; four helicopter destroyers (or helicopter carriers ), 36 destroyers, six frigates, six destroyer escorts (or frigates ), 23 attack submarines, 19 mine countermeasure vessels, six patrol vessels, three landing ship tanks, seven training vessels, and a fleet of various auxiliary ships. [2] [3]

As of 2013, a procurement list, added to the current National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG), has revealed that, among other things, an additional 48 escort vessels of various classes are planned to be added to the MSDF fleet in the 2020s. [4] In addition, as of 7 July 2013, it was being reported that plans were under way to procure two more Aegis equipped destroyers in order to bolster ongoing BMD efforts, the first to be contracted for in fiscal year 2015 and the other in fiscal year 2016. [5]

Submarine fleet

Submarines

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Submarines (23 in service)
Oyashio-class 7 SS-596 kuroshio (1).jpg Attack submarine

(Diesel-electric)

JS Uzushio SS-59220002,750 tonnes (surfaced)
4,000 tonnes (submerged)
2 of 11 built converted to training ships (see Training Vessels below) & one decommissioned
JS Narushio SS-5952003
JS Kuroshio SS-5962004
JS Takashio SS-5972005
JS Yaeshio SS-5982006
JS Setoshio SS-5992007
JS Mochishio SS-6002008
Sōryū-class 10 SS-504 kenriyuu (1).jpg Attack submarine

(AIP sterling engine + lead-acid batteries)

JS Sōryū SS-50120092,900 tonnes (surfaced)
4,200 tonnes (submerged)
[6]
JS Unryū SS-5022010
JS Hakuryū SS-5032011
JS Kenryū SS-5042012
JS Zuiryū SS-5052013
JS Kokuryū SS-5062015
JS Jinryū SS-5072016
JS Sekiryū SS-5082017
JS Seiryū SS-5092018
JS Shōryū SS-5102019
2 JS Oryu (SS-511)-05.jpg Attack submarine

(AIP lithium-ion batteries)

JS Ōryū SS-5112020The JS Ōryū is the world's first submarine powered by lithium-ion batteries. [7]
JS Tōryū SS-5122021
Taigei-class 4

(+1 ordered, +2 planned)

JS Taigei(SS-513) sailing in Port of Kobe March 9, 2022 25.jpg Attack submarine

(AIP lithium ion)

JS Taigei SS-51320223,000 tonnes (surfaced)Total planned of 7 [8] [9]
JS Hakugei SS-5142023
JS Jingei SS-5152024
JS Raigei SS-5162025

Surface fleet

Helicopter destroyers (de facto helicopter carrier/light aircraft carrier) - DDH/CVL

Officially classed as "helicopter destroyers", these vessels have a full-length flight deck helicopter carrier configuration.

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
DDH – Helicopter-carrying destroyers (4 in service)
Hyūga-class 2 DDH-181 hiyuuga (12).jpg DDH

(de facto helicopter carrier)

JS Hyūga DDH-181200919,000 tonnes [10]
JS Ise DDH-1822011
Izumo-class 2 JS Izumo(DDH-183)seen from the sky 10-03-2021.jpg DDH

(de facto light aircraft carrier)

JS Izumo DDH-183201527,000 tonnesConverting into light aircraft carrier configuration to carry F-35B V/STOL fighters from the mid-2020s. [11] [12]
JS Kaga DDH-1842017

Landing ships

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Landing ships - LST (3 in service)
Ōsumi-class 3 MV-22B trying to land aboard JDS Shimokita.jpg Landing ship tank

(de facto Amphibious transport dock)

JS Ōsumi LST 4001199814,000 tonnesClass upgraded to land Boeing MV-22s and carry the AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles. [13] [14] [15]
JS Shimokita LST 40022002
JS Kunisaki LST 40032003
Landing craft (15 in service)
1-Go-class 6 JMSDF LCAC-2101 in Ocean.jpg LCAC

(air-cushioned landing craft)

LCAC-21011997182 tonnes2 carried with each Ōsumi-class ships [16] [17] [18]
LCAC-21021997
LCAC-21032001
LCAC-21042001
LCAC-21052002
LCAC-21062002
YL-09-class 7 JMSDF Yard craft [YL-14] side view.jpg LCM

(Landing craft mechanized)

YL-1250 tonnes
YL-13
YL-14
YL-15
YL-16
YL-17
YL-18
LCU-2001-class 1 JMSDF LCU-2002.jpg LCU

(Landing craft utility)

JS LC-02 LCU-2002199250 tonnes JS LC-01 decommissioned in 2022
YL-119-class 1 JMSDF YL-119 in Yokosuka Base 20090801.JPG LCL

(Landing craft lighters)

YL-119200 tonnes

Destroyers - DDG/DD

The JMSDF uses the official term Destroyers despite some larger ships being analogous to cruisers and smaller vessels being analogous to frigates by most international classifications. [19]

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Guided missiles destroyers - DDG (8 in service)
Kongō-class 4 JS Myoko(DDG-175).jpg DDG (Aegis) JS Kongō DDG-17319939,500 tonnes [20]
JS Kirishima DDG-1741995
JS Myōkō DDG-1751996
JS Chōkai DDG-1761998
Atago-class 2 JS ATAGO atMaizuru.jpg DDG (Aegis) JS Atago DDG-177200710,000 tonnes [21]
JS Ashigara DDG-1782008
Maya-class 2 DDG Maya.jpg DDG (Aegis) JS Maya DDG-179202010,500 tonnes [22]
JS Haguro DDG-1802021
Destroyers - DD (27 in service)
Asagiri-class 7 JS "Asagiri" DD-151 02.jpg DD JS Asagiri DD-15119885,200 tonnesBeing replaced by the Mogami-class [23]

The “Yamagiri”DD-152 is reclassified as a training vessel.

JS Yūgiri DD-1531989
JS Amagiri DD-1541989
JS Hamagiri DD-1551990
JS Setogiri DD-1561990
JS Sawagiri DD-1571990
JS Umigiri DD-1581991
Murasame-class 9 JS Ikazuchi(DD-107).jpg DD JS Murasame DD-10119966,200 tonnes [24]
JS Harusame DD-1021997
JS Yūdachi DD-1031999
JS Kirisame DD-1041999
JS Inazuma DD-1052000
JS Samidare DD-1062000
JS Ikazuchi DD-1072001
JS Akebono DD-1082002
JS Ariake DD-1092002
Takanami-class 5 JS Onami (DD-111).jpg DD JS Takanami DD-11020036,400 tonnes [25]
JS Onami DD-1112003
JS Makinami DD-1122004
JS Sazanami DD-1132005
JS Suzunami DD-1142006
Akizuki-class 4 JMSDF December 2016 09.jpg DD JS Akizuki DD-11520126,800 tonnes [26]
JS Teruzuki DD-1162013
JS Suzutsuki DD-1172014
JS Fuyuzuki DD-1182014
Asahi-class 2 DD-120 Shiranui 01.jpg DD JS Asahi DD-11920186,800 tonnes [27]
JS Shiranui DD-1202019

Frigate Multi-Purpose/Mine - FFM

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Frigate Multi-Purpose/Mine - FFM (8 in Service)
Mogami-class 8

(+3 ordered +2 planned)

Hai Shang Zi Wei Dui Hu Wei Jian mogami FFM-1.3.jpg Frigate JS Mogami FFM-120225,500 tonnesSuccessor of the Asagiri-class and Abukuma-class [28]

Designed for anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare, as well as surveillance and minesweeping [28]

JS Natori to be commissioned by the end of 2025. Twelve instead of 22 are planned in total. A new design should make up the 12 other ships. [29] [30] [31]

JS Kumano FFM-22022
JS Noshiro FFM-32022
JS Mikuma FFM-42023
JS Yahagi FFM-52024
JS Agano FFM-62024
JS Niyodo FFM-72025
JS Yūbetsu FFM-82025

Destroyer escorts - DE

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Destroyer escorts - DE (6 in service)
Abukuma-class 6 JS Oyodo (DE-231).jpg Destroyer escort (or frigate ) JS Abukuma DE-22919892,550 tonnesTo be replaced by the Mogami-class [32] [33]

May be exported to the Philippines.See below: Abukuma-class destroyer escort.

JS Jintsū DE-2301990
JS Ōyodo DE-2311991
JS Sendai DE-2321991
JS Chikuma DE-2331993
JS Tone DE-2341993

Mine countermeasure vessels

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Mine countermeasure vessels (18 in service)
Uraga-class 2 JS Bungo(MST-464)inspected at the International Fleet Review 2022.jpg Mine countermeasure support ship JS Uraga MST-46319976,850 tonnes [34]
JS Bungo MST-4641998
Sugashima-class 7 JS"Sugashima"MSC-681.jpg Mine Sweeper Coastal JS Toyoshima MSC-6852002650 tonnes [35]

wooden ship,
four decommissioned (one after collision, 2019) & one sunk after fire, 2024

JS Izushima MSC-6872003
JS Aishima MSC-6882004
JS Aoshima MSC-6892005
JS Miyajima MSC-6902005
JS Shishijima MSC-6912006
JS Kuroshima MSC-6922007
Hirashima-class 3 JS Izushima(MSC-687)departing from Hososhima Port.jpg Mine Sweeper Coastal JS Hirashima MSC-6012008650 tonnes [36]

wooden ship

JS Yakushima MSC-6022009
JS Takashima MSC-6032010
Enoshima-class 3 JS "Hatsushima"MSC-606.jpg Mine Sweeper Coastal JS Enoshima MSC-6042012650 tonnes [36] FRP ship

Only “Hatsushima” is equipped with a remote-controlled turret type machine gun

JS Chichijima MSC-6052013
JS Hatsushima MSC-6062015
Awaji-class 4 Heng Xu He Ji Di (Chuan Yue )niTing Bo Zhong noSao Hai Jian [etazima] .jpg Mine Sweeper Ocean JS Awaji MSO-3042017690 tonnes [37] [38] FRP ship
JS Hirado MSO-3052018
JS Etajima MSO-3062021
JS Nōmi MSO-3072025

Patrol vessels

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Patrol vessels (6 in service)
Hayabusa-class 6 JS Kumataka(PG-827) 02 (cropped).jpg Guided-Missile Patrol Boat JS Hayabusa PG-8242002240 tonnes [39]
JS Wakataka PG-8252002
JS Otaka PG-8262003
JS Kumataka PG-8272003
JS Umitaka PG-8282004
JS Shirataka PG-8292004

Surveillance ships

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Surveillance ships (3 in service)
Hibiki-class 3

(+1 ordered)

JS Harima(AOS-5202) in Kure Naval Base 20140915.JPG Ocean surveillance ship JS Hibiki AOS-520119912,896–3,861 tonnesEquipped with a AN/UQQ-2 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System

[40]

JS Harima AOS-52021992
JS Aki AOS-52032021

Training vessels

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Training submarine (2 in service)
Oyashio-class 2 Japanese Submarine Oyashio SS590.JPEG Training attack submarine

(Diesel-electric)

JS Makishio TSS-3610

(former SS-593)

Commissioned in 2001, converted in 20232,750 tonnes (surfaced)
4,000 tonnes (submerged)
[41]
JS Isoshio TSS-3611

(former SS-594)

Commissioned in 2002, converted in 2025
Training surface vessels (3 in service)
Kashima-class 1 TV-3508 02l.jpg Cadet training ship JS Kashima TV-350819955,400 tonnes
Hatakaze-class 1 JS Shimakaze(TV-3521).jpg Training guided-missile destroyers JS Shimakaze TV-3521

(former DDG-172)

Commissioned in 1988, converted in 20216,100 tonnesConverted Hatakaze-class guided missile destroyer
Asagiri-class 1 JMSDF JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515) passes the USS Missouri memorial.jpg Training destroyers JS Yamagiri TV-3515

(former DD-152)

Commissioned in 1989, converted in 2025 (Second change)4,900 tonnesConverted Asagiri-class destroyer

Auxiliary fleet

Logistics

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Replenishment ships (5 in service)
Towada-class 3 US Navy 060315-N-0857F-008 Japanese oiler JDS Tokiwa (AOE 423) pulls away from the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) after an underway replenishment (UNREP).jpg Replenishment oiler JS Towada AOE-422198715,000 tonnes [42]
JS Tokiwa AOE-4231990
JS Hamana AOE-4241990
Mashū-class 2 JS"Masyu"AOE-425.jpg Replenishment oiler JS Mashū AOE-425200625,000 tonnes [43]
JS Ōmi AOE-4262006
Oil tankers (2 in service)
YOT-01-class 2 JMSDF Oil tanker "YOT-01" entered Kure Naval Base for the first time.jpg Yard oiler tanker YOT-0120226,000 tonnes [44]
YOT-022022

Miscellaneous

ClassIn servicePictureTypeShip No. Comm. DisplacementNotes
Experimental ships (1 in service)
Asuka-class 1
JS"Asuka".jpg
Experiment ship JS Asuka ASE-610219956,300 tonnesPerformance confirmation tests for integrated navigation systems.
Training support ships (2 in service)
Kurobe-class 1 ATS-4202 Kurobe.jpg Training support ship JS Kurobe ATS-420219892,590 tonnes
Tenryū-class 1 ATS-4203 01l.jpg Training support ship JS Tenryū ATS-420320002,790 tonnes
Rescue vessels (2 in service)
Chihaya-class 1 190909-A-NH920-1174.jpg Submarine rescue vessel JS Chihaya ASR-40320007,000 tonnes [45] [46] [47]
Chiyoda-class1 JS Chiyoda(ASR-404).jpg Submarine rescue vessel JS Chiyoda ASR-40420187,200 tonnesJMSDF commissions new submarine rescue ship [48]
Disaster relief (1 in service)
Hashidate-class 1 ASY-91 hashidate (2).jpg Accommodation ship JS Hashidate AYS-911999490 tonnesParticipates in disaster relief [49] [50]
Diving support vessels (6 in service)
YDT-01-class 6 JMSDF Maizuru AreaGuardGroup YDT-01.jpg Diving support vessel YDT-012000260 tonnesUsed for EOD missions. [51] [52]
YDT-022000
YDT-032001
YDT-042001
YDT-052003
YDT-062003
Cable laying ship (1 in service)
Muroto-class 1 JS Muroto (ARC-483)-01.jpg Cable laying ship JS Muroto ARC-48320136,500 tonnes
Icebreaker (1 in service)
Shirase-class (2008) 1 JS"Shirase"(AGB-5003) 02.jpg Icebreaker JS Shirase AGB-5003200920,000 tonnes [53] [54]
Research ships (3 in service)
Futami-class 1 JS WAKASA AGS-5104.jpg Oceanographic research ship JS Wakasa AGS-510419863,200 tonnesFirst of the class retired in 2010
Nichinan -class 1 AGS-5105 nichinan (1).jpg Oceanographic research ship JS Nichinan AGS-510519994,500 tonnes [55] [56]
Shōnan-class 1 AGS-5106 211016a.jpg Oceanographic research ship JS Shōnan AGS-510620104,150 tonnes [57]
multi-purpose support ships (5 in service)
Hiuchi-class 5 JS Hiuchi(AMS-4301).jpg multi-purpose support ships JS Hiuchi AMS-430120021,000 tonnes [58] In addition to towing non-self-propelled vessels and target vessels, the program will support shooting and torpedo drills, firefighting, rescue operations, supply transport, disaster relief to remote islands, and offshore testing of new equipment.
JS Suo AMS-43022004
JS Amakusa AMS-43032004
JS Genkai AMS-43042008
JS Enshu AMS-43052008
Private Maritime Transport Services (2 in service)

Not part of the JMSDF, under charter to the MoD

1 Natchan World-008.jpg High speed catamaran Natchan World 201610,715 tonnesContract renewed in FY2024 [59]
1 hakuouIMGP1452.JPG Roll-on/roll-off Hakuo 201417,345 tonnesContract renewed in FY2024 [60]

Future JMSDF vessels

29SS-type submarine Taigei launch Naming and Launch Ceremony of SS Taigei.jpg
29SS-type submarine Taigei launch
30DX-type frigate Mogami launch JS Mogami(FFM-1)Launching ceremony 03 Mar 2021(2).jpg
30DX-type frigate Mogami launch
Japanese BMD map Japanese archipelago BMD map.jpg
Japanese BMD map
Aegis system equipped ships (ASEV) Conceptual image of JMSDF ballistic missile defense ship, 23 December 2022.png
Aegis system equipped ships (ASEV)

Authorized projects

Authorized projects for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force include the ongoing construction of an improved AIP-type non-nuclear attack submarine class, the recapitalization of the JMSDF's frigate fleet units, and the acquisition of a pair of JMSDF-owned oil tankers and up to four amphibious transports, as well as the pending construction of a dozen next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and two "Aegis system equipped ships" (ASEV) to provide dedicated sea-based ballistic missile defense (BMD) coverage of the Japanese home islands to replace the cancelled Aegis Ashore land-based BMD system.

29SS submarines

This submarine class has a non-nuclear air-independent propulsion (AIP) propulsion plant using improved lithium-ion batteries for enhanced silencing and operational flexibility. These submarines will also have improved sonar and weapons systems. The lead ship Taigei will serve as a test bed for the rest of the class, allowing more rapid technical upgrades to the other submarines within this class. [61] [62]

Aegis system equipped ships (ASEV)

In 2020, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced plans to build 2 new Aegis destroyers (pictured) to replace its scrapped land-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile interceptors program. [63] On August 31, 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense announced that JMSDF will operate two "Aegis system equipped ships" (イージス・システム搭載艦 in Japanese) to replace its earlier cancellation of the Aegis Ashore program, commissioning one ship by the end of fiscal year 2027, and the other by the end of FY2028. The budget for design and other related expenses are to be submitted in the form of “item requests”, without specific amounts, and the initial procurement of the lead items are expected to clear legislation by FY2023. Construction is to begin in the following year of FY2024. [64] [65] [66] [67]

13DDX Air Defence Destroyer

The Japanese Navy is designing a new generation of layered air-defence and information warfare destroyers. It will take concept elements from the Asahi-class (25DD) destroyer and the Mogami-class (30FFM) frigate. It is expected to be compact and stealthy as the 30FFM and as combat capable as the 25DD. It is planned for the early 2030s. [68]

30FFM frigates

In August 2017, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding (MES) as the prime contractor and subcontractor to construct the frigate. In addition, the agency also selected a completely new design of the vessel (30DX). The new ship class is set to replace the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts. [69]

Amphibious transport vessels

At a press conference held on February 16, 2021, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced that the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) established a joint amphibious unit equipped with three new transport ships by 2024. These units will consist of one medium-sized Logistics Support Vessels (LSV) capable of carrying about 1,700 long tons (1,700 t) of cargo and three smaller Landing Craft Utility (LCUs) vessels with each capable of carrying 350 long tons (360 t) of cargo and operating in shallow waters. Although the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has been basically responsible for the operation of the vessels, these vessels will be operated by a joint unit as the focus is on supporting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and other forces operating in remote Southwest Islands, including Okinawa. [70] [71] The JSDF activated Japan's first marine unit since World War II on April 7, 2018, and the marines of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) are trained to counter invaders from occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. [72]

Next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPV)

On 30 June 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced the construction of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) (pictured) for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at a cost of ¥ 9 billion (US$66 million) per ship. Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) is the prime contractor for this program with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) chosen to be the subcontractor. Both JMU and MHI as well as Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding had submitted preliminary designs for the proposed next-generation OPVs. [73] [74]

Proposed projects

Exclusive economic zone of Japan. Disputed areas are marked in lighter color. Japan Exclusive Economic Zones.png
Exclusive economic zone of Japan. Disputed areas are marked in lighter color.

Given the various maritime-related territorial disputes and expanding operational requirements (pictured), the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF) has shown increased interest in augmenting its amphibious lift and expeditionary capabilities. Consequently, several Japanese defense firms such as Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) have proposed amphibious warfare options at such industry trade shows as the Maritime Air Systems & Technologies (MAST) and Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibits. Also, on March 4, 2014, Japan and the United States announced a bilateral research project on a LCS-style warship pursuant to the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. [75]

Amphibious assault ships (LHD)

In 2014, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera expressed the intention of buying one amphibious assault ship (LHD) from the United States to provide more amphibious capabilities than the current Osumi class landing ships. The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship is most likely candidate for acquisition. [76]

JMU design concept

During the annual Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow held 18–19 November 2019 in Chiba, Japan, the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) unveiled its proposed design for a big-deck multi-purpose LHD-type amphibious assault ship for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The vessel's design features a floodable well deck for embarking two LCAC air-cushion landing craft plus 20 AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles. Its full-length flight deck boasts five marked landing spots for helicopters or MV-22B tiltrotors. Two below-deck hangars have space for five more rotorcraft. The vessel has a 500-person crew and an embarked unit of 500 marines. The JMU concept art displayed three RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) SeaRAM launchers located before and aft of the ship's island superstructure, as well as a Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm-Vulcan cannon-armed Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) on the forward deck. [77] [78] [79]

The JMU's proposed LHD vessel's displacement is approximately 20,000 long tons (20,000 t) with an overall length of 720 ft (220 m), a beam of 124 ft (38 m), a draft of 26.25 ft (8.00 m), and a top speed of 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph). [78] [79] Overall, the proposed JMSDF amphibious assault ship is substantially smaller than China's Type 075 vessels, South Korea's proposed LPH-II design, the U.S. Navy's Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, and Italian Navy's Trieste, and is more comparable to the Mistral-class amphibious assault ship of the French or the Egyptian navies. [78] A JMU representative told Jane's 360 that while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force did not have a current requirement for an LHD-type amphibious assault ship of any kind to join the JMSDF's Self Defense Fleet, the Japan Marine United Corporation still expected the JMSDF to eventually issue such a requirement in the near future, with the JMU design as an alternative to a foreign design. [78]

MES design concept

At the Maritime Air Systems & Technologies (MAST) 2017 naval defense exhibition held in Tokyo, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) unveiled a new LHD-type amphibious assault ship for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. MES drew on its experience from constructing and delivering the Osumi and Shimokita tank landing ships (LSTs) to the JMSDF when designing the new LHD. According to Mistui spokesmen, the main missions of the proposed LHD vessel is island defense as well as humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operations, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands. [80]

Mitsui's proposed LHD vessel is designed for large-scale transportation of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, main battle tanks (MBTs), vehicles, cargo, and equipment, with multi-mission features. Its flight deck LHD has five helicopter spots and a hangar large enough to large helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopters. Its well deck is large enough to accommodate two LCACs, and it can store at least 24 assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) on two decks. [80]

The Mitsui LHD concept measures 210 m (689 ft 0 in) in length, 35 m (114 ft 10 in) in width, and draws 7 m (23 ft 0 in) with displacement of 16,000 long tons (16,000 t) and a speed of 22  kn (25 mph; 41 km/h). The maximum complement of the vessel is 200 people including embarked troops. Mitsui's LHD is fitted with a forward Phalanx CIWS gun mount and a SeaRAM launcher at the stern. There are two shafts and two rudders, plus two bow thrusters. There is a main elevator for helicopters aft and a smaller one for stores and equipment forward near the island superstructure. Overall, the Mitsui LHD concept to the French Navy's Mistral-class LHDs. [80]

Amphibious transport dock (LPD)

At the Maritime Air Systems & Technologies (MAST) 2017 naval defense exhibition held in Tokyo, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) unveiled a new amphibious transport dock (LPD) concept. According to Mistui spokesmen, the main missions of the proposed LPD vessel is island defense as well as humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operations, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands. [81]

The proposed MES LPD design concept has an aft flight deck with two helicopter spots and a hangar large enough to receive two V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and a small size VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) similar in size to the MQ-8B Fire Scout. Beneath the flight deck is a well deck large enough to accommodate two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft. Up to 40 AAV, MBT, and APC vehicles can be carried on two lower decks within the ship. The proposed ship measures 210 m (689 ft 0 in) in length, 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in width, and a draft of 7 m (23 ft 0 in) with a displacement of 16,000 long tons (16,000 t) and a speed of 22  kn (25 mph; 41 km/h). The maximum complement of the vessel is 200 people, including embarked troops. The LPD is fitted with a forward Phalanx CIWS gun mount and a SeaRAM launcher on top of the helicopter hangar. The vessel has two shafts and two rudders, as well as two bow thrusters, and also features two retractable fin stabilizers. [81]

Mobile landing platform (MLP)

At the Maritime Air Systems & Technologies (MAST) 2017 naval defense exhibition held in Tokyo, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) unveiled its Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) concept designed for large scale transportation of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, main battle tanks (MBTs), vehicles, cargo, and other equipment, with multi-mission and modular features. In addition to its aviation operations and amphibious capabilities, this MLP can act as an offshore base. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands. [82]

The MES's overall MLP design combines the aviation facilities of the U.S. Navy's Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base ships with the extensive amphibious and expeditionary capabilities of the Montford Point-class expeditionary transfer dock vessels. There are four helicopter spots on the flight deck, but no helicopter hanger, with an elevator for stores and equipment next to spot #2. There is also a ramp allowing vehicles access between the two main decks. The MES mobile landing platform concept measures 240 m (787 ft 5 in) in length, 39 m (127 ft 11 in) in width, and a draft of 7 m (23 ft 0 in). The ship's displacement is 21,000 long tons (21,000 t), a speed of 15  kn (17 mph; 28 km/h), and a maximum complement of 240 people. [82]

33DD destroyers

The 33DD (also known as DDR or Destroyer Revolution) was a Japanese destroyer proposed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The tentative name of the class, 33 DD, is derived from an estimate that it would be budgeted in the Japanese era of Heisei 33 (2021). [83] [84]

High Speed Multi-hull Vessel Optimization (HSMVO)

HSMVO artist concept HSMVO design concept.jpg
HSMVO artist concept

The joint HSMVO research is conducted by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division of the US Navy. [85] [86] Also known as the Future Multi Purpose Trimaran concept, the HSMVO design concept is based on the Independence-class littoral combat ship with its distinctive trimaran hull design, modular mission capabilities, and aluminum construction (pictured). The mission capabilities of the concept includes mine countermeasure (MCM), humanitarian assistance and disaster recover (HADR), and offshore patrol/special ops. Likewise, each configuration will consist of different weapons, equipment, and supplies. [86]

ATLA unveiled the HSMVO trimaran warship concept model at the Japanese defense trade-show MAST Asia 2017. According to Navy Recognition website, the project is set to end in 2018 and the JMSDF would ultimately decide whether to adopt the concept for development or not. [86] To date, no decision has been made regarding the future acquisition and construction of warships based on the HSMVO design concept.

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