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96-870: 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 . The JMSDF is one of the world's largest navies and the second largest navy in Asia in terms of fleet tonnage. As of 2024, the JMSDF operates a total of 155 vessels (including minor auxiliary vessels), including; four helicopter destroyers ( or helicopter carriers ), 36 destroyers , 5 frigates , six destroyer escorts ( or frigates ), 24 attack submarines , 30 mine countermeasure vessels , six patrol vessels , three landing ship tanks , 8 training vessels and

192-681: 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. At the Maritime Air Systems & Technologies (MAST) 2017 naval defense exhibition held in Tokyo, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) unveiled

288-563: A defensive measure against North Korea , stating that Japan should not rely upon the United States for defense. Kishi was appointed as Minister of Defense under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in September 2020. Commentator Michael Bosack described this as "a strange pick that signals factional influence and possibly a personal favor," and argued that the faction led by Hiroyuki Hosoda was clearly trying to build Kishi's credentials. Following

384-496: A fleet of various auxiliary ships . 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. 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,

480-536: A fleet of various auxiliary ships . The fleet has a total displacement of approximately 624,000 tonnes, excluding auxiliary vessels. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation maintains a large naval air force, including 201 fixed-wing aircraft and 145 helicopters. Most of these aircraft are used in anti-submarine warfare operations. The JMSDF is commanded by the Chief of the Maritime Staff. Its structure consists of

576-523: 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. 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

672-461: 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

768-508: A message of continuity in Japan's policies toward China and Taiwan. After the assassination of Shinzo Abe on 8 July 2022, Nobuo Kishi had to disclose that the relationship with the controversial Unification Church , also known as the "Moon Sect", extends to him. Kishi acknowledged that members of the group participated as volunteers in his campaign activities, including tasks such as telephone campaigning. Kishida replaced him as Defense Minister

864-530: A month later. He announced plans to resign from the House of Representatives due to health issues, making way for a by-election on April 23, 2023 . Like his brother Shinzō, Kishi is affiliated with the openly revisionist lobby Nippon Kaigi , and a member of the following right-wing groups at the Diet: Kishi gave the following answers to the questionnaire submitted by Mainichi to parliamentarians in 2012: In

960-460: 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

1056-417: A number of minesweeping ships. Nobuo Kishi Nobuo is the third son of Shintaro Abe and Yoko Abe (née Kishi). He was born in Tokyo. Shortly after his birth, he was adopted by his maternal uncle, Seibu Oil chairman Nobukazu Kishi, who could not have children of his own. He did not know about his actual parentage, or his relationship with Shintaro Abe's other sons (Hironobu and Shinzo Abe), until he

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1152-524: A result of continuing effective defense investment due to Japan's economic development and an end to the Cold War , the JMSDF became the world's fourth largest navy by total tonnage by 2000. Japan has the eighth largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world, and the JMSDF is responsible for protecting this large area. As an island nation, dependent on maritime trade for the majority of its resources, including food and raw materials, maritime operations are

1248-632: A speed of 15  kn (17 mph; 28 km/h), and a maximum complement of 240 people. 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). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ( Japanese : 海上自衛隊 , Hepburn : Kaijō Jieitai ) , abbreviated JMSDF ( 海自 , Kaiji ) , also simply known as

1344-432: 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,

1440-911: 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. 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

1536-468: A total of 1,000 crew members. Each Escort Flotilla is formed as a fleet of eight destroyers and eight on-board helicopters. Each force is composed of one helicopter destroyer (DDH) acting as a command ship, two guided-missile destroyers (DDG) and five standard or ASW destroyers (DD). The JMSDF is planning to reorganize the respective Escort Flotillas into a DDH group and DDG group, enabling faster overseas deployments. Five district units act in concert with

1632-436: A very important aspect of Japanese defense policy. The JMSDF is known in particular for its anti-submarine warfare and minesweeping capabilities. Defense planners believe the most effective approach to combating hostile submarines entails mobilizing all available weapons, including surface combatants, submarines, patrol planes , and helicopters . They are also known to operate at least fourteen listening stations all over

1728-647: 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. In August 2017, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding (MES) as

1824-682: Is limited by the absence of aircraft carriers , though its destroyers and frigates equipped with the Aegis combat system provide a formidable capability in antiaircraft and antimissile warfare . These capabilities are force multipliers, allowing force projection of Japan's sizable destroyer and frigate force far from home waters, and acquiring them is contentious considering Japan's "passive" defense policy. Long-range strike capability will be introduced as soon as Tomahawk cruise missiles are deployed on JMSDF destroyers. Destroyers and combat support ships of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force were dispatched to

1920-516: Is planned to be a high-speed trimaran designed for operations in shallow coastal waters capable of carrying helicopters, possibly a lighter variant of the American 3,000-tonne (3,000-long-ton) littoral combat ship . The study was conducted in response to the growth of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy and budgetary issues with the U.S. military that may affect their ability to operate in

2016-463: Is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands . 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

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2112-617: Is that this article allows for military forces to be kept for the purposes of self-defense. Due to Cold War pressures, the United States was also happy for Japan to provide part of its own defense, rather than have it fully rely on American forces . In 1952, the Safety Security Force was formed within the Maritime Safety Agency , incorporating the minesweeping fleet and other military vessels, mainly destroyers, given by

2208-712: The Izumo -class destroyers to carry US-designed F-35B fighter jets. This makes them de facto aircraft carriers . To avoid controversy, the ruling parties call it a "multi-purpose operation destroyer". It would be the first such ship in the JMSDF since World War II . On 23 May 2019, retired MSDF vice-admiral Toshiyuki Ito stated that Japan requires at least four Izumo -class destroyers to be viable for real naval combat operations. He said "If you only have two vessels, you can only use them for training personnel for taking off and landing operations, so this plan doesn't make sense for MSDF officers, frankly speaking." As aircraft carriers ,

2304-670: The Battle of Amami-Ōshima . In 2002, the JMSDF deployed ships to the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Anaconda during the War in Afghanistan . In August 2003, a new "helicopter carrier" class was ordered, the Hyūga -class helicopter destroyer . Due to the size and features of the ship, including a full-length flight deck , it was classified as a helicopter carrier by Lloyd's Register — similar to

2400-558: The East China Sea southwest of the Japanese home islands ( pictured ). On 6 October 2022, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan ( pictured ) as part of the military response to ongoing North Korean intermediate-range ballistic missile tests over the Japanese home islands . On 16 November 2022,

2496-651: The Fleet Air Force headquartered at Atsugi , the Fleet Submarine Force based at Yokosuka and Kure, the Mine Warfare Force based at Yokosuka and the Fleet Training Command at Yokosuka. In March 2018, Ryoko Azuma became the first female squadron commander in the JMSDF. Her unit includes the flagship Izumo , the largest warship in the JMSDF. She commands four warships making up a division with

2592-666: The Indian Navy . On 16 December 2022, the Japanese Cabinet approved a trio of defense-related policy documents, including its new National Security Strategy (NSS or 国家安全保障戦略), the strategic guideline document for the Japanese government's policies regarding diplomacy, defense, and economic security for the next decade. Based on the NSS, the National Defense Strategy (NDS or 国家防衛戦略) document outlined Japan's defense policy goals and

2688-651: The Izumo -class destroyers are relatively small, only able to carry approximately 10 F-35Bs, which Ito argued were too few to provide effective air defense. In 2019, the National Diet of Japan approved the order of 42 STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft in addition to 135 F-35A model conventional takeoff and landing fighters for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to operate from their land bases;

2784-643: The Japanese Navy , is the maritime warfare branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces , tasked with the naval defense of Japan. The JMSDF was formed following the dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) after World War II . The JMSDF has a fleet of 154 ships, 346 aircraft and 50,800 personnel. Following Japan's defeat in World War II , the Imperial Japanese Navy was dissolved by

2880-465: The Korean Peninsula . On 19 December 2023, United States, Japan, and South Korea announced the activation of a real-time North Korea missile warning system as well as jointly established a multi-year trilateral exercise plan in response to North Korea's continued ballistic missile launches. The ship prefix JDS (Japanese Defense Ship) was used until 2008, at which time JMSDF ships started using

2976-642: The Potsdam Declaration acceptance. Ships were disarmed, and some of them, such as the battleship Nagato , were taken by the Allied Powers as reparations. The remaining ships were used for repatriation of the Japanese soldiers from abroad and also for minesweeping in the area around Japan, initially under the control of the Second Bureau of the Demobilization Ministry . The minesweeping fleet

List of active Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships - Misplaced Pages Continue

3072-587: The United Kingdom 's HMS  Ocean . There was discussion about whether an aircraft carrier would be prohibited by Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution , since aircraft carriers are generally considered offensive weapons. The Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to possess ICBMs , strategic bombers , or attack aircraft carriers. Historically (until about 1975 in the U.S. Navy ) large-scale carriers were classified as "attack aircraft carriers" and

3168-589: The " Peace and Security Preservation Legislation " passed under the Abe administration. This makes Australia the second country (after the United States) whose assets Japan would be permitted to protect. Kishi and Reynolds also emphasized their opposition to "any destabilizing or coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions in the East China Sea ," and some analysts have speculated this to be in reference to Chinese maritime activities around

3264-531: The 10 other ships. 1 retired (+1 ordered) (+1 ordered) (Diesel-electric) (former SS-590) (former SS-591) (former DDG-171) (former DDG-172) Support training exercises of other ships, including shooting practice and torpedo launching practice. Authorized projects for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force include the ongoing construction of an improved AIP-type non-nuclear attack submarine class,

3360-557: The 12 vessels to the JMSDF from fiscal year 2023, which starts on April 1, 2023. 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 the earlier plan of Aegis Ashore installations, commissioning one 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

3456-467: 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. The Japanese Navy

3552-560: The Cold War threat posed by the Soviet Navy 's sizable and powerful submarine fleet, the JMSDF was primarily tasked with an anti-submarine role. Following the end of the Cold War , the role of the JMSDF has vastly changed. In 1991, after international pressure, the JMSDF dispatched four minesweepers, a fleet oiler ( JDS Tokiwa ) and a minesweeping tender (JDS Hayase ) to the Persian Gulf in

3648-708: The Defense Buildup Program, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will increase the number of Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers (DDG) from the current eight to ten, as well as two Aegis system-equipped vessels (ASEV) to be deployed in ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations. By the end of the decade, the JMSDF will operate 12 ships equipped with Aegis Weapon System (AWS) and likewise plans to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers and destroyer escorts with Mogami -class frigates . The JMSDF has an official strength of 50,000 personnel, but presently numbers around 50,800 active personnel. As

3744-685: The F-35B is same model aircraft that the US Marines operate from US Navy aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, the US Marines also plan to fly from the Japanese Izumo class after the STOVL modifications and refit. On October 14 2020, the 3,000-ton submarine Taigei was unveiled. This is the first vessel of the Taigei class and the 22nd submarine vessel of the JMSDF. The Taigei entered service in 2022, and

3840-461: The House of Councillors in 2004, representing Yamaguchi Prefecture . He became known as a specialist in security issues. He has served as Parliamentary Secretary for Defense (Fukuda and Aso Cabinet), Vice Chairman, LDP Diet Affairs Committee in the House of Councillors, Vice Chairman, Party Organization and Campaign Headquarters of LDP, chairman, Special Committee on Okinawa and Northern Problems. Kishi

3936-505: The Indian Ocean from 2001 to 2008 to participate in OEF-MIO (Operation Enduring Freedom-Maritime Interdiction Operation). Their mission is to prevent the marine transportation of illegal weapons and ammunition, and the drugs which fund terrorist activity. Since 2004, the JMSDF has provided ships of foreign forces with fuel for their ships and ship-based helicopters, as well as freshwater. This

List of active Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships - Misplaced Pages Continue

4032-536: The Indian Ocean. In May 2010, Japan announced its intention to build a permanent naval base in Djibouti , from which it will conduct operations to protect merchant shipping from Somali pirates . The JMSDF and the U.S. Navy frequently carry out joint exercises and "U.S. Navy officials have claimed that they have a closer daily relationship with the JMSDF than any other navy in the world". The JMSDF participates in RIMPAC ,

4128-412: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands . 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

4224-473: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands . 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

4320-541: 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

4416-571: The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF). The two ASEV warship would be exclusively tasked for dedicated ballistic missile defense (BDM) missions (BMD等) and operate off the Korean peninsula in the Sea of Japan , allowing the other Aegis guided-missile destroyers to meet other contingencies (侵攻阻止) while operating independently to maintain the maritime domain awareness (MDA) and keep the sea lines of communication (SLOC) open in

4512-482: 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 . In 2014, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera expressed the intention of buying one amphibious assault ship (LHD) from

4608-643: The Maritime Staff Office, the Self Defense Fleet, five regional district commands, the air-training squadron and various support units, such as hospitals and schools. The Maritime Staff Office, located in Tokyo, serves the Chief of Staff in commanding and supervising the force. The Self-Defense Fleet, headquartered at Yokosuka , consists of the JMSDF's military shipping. It is composed of Fleet Escort Force, based in Yokosuka , Sasebo , Maizuru and Kure ,

4704-550: The Mitsui LHD concept to the French Navy 's Mistral -class LHDs . 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

4800-720: The Pacific. The J-LCS would be used to intervene during Chinese ship incursions near the Senkaku Islands and other contested areas in the East China Sea , and possibly counter similar Chinese vessels like the Type 056 corvette and Type 022 missile boat . A 1,000-tonne (980-long-ton) J-LCS with an enlarged hull could operate the SH-60K anti-submarine helicopter or the MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) helicopter. On May 1 2017, JS  Izumo

4896-983: The Senkaku Islands . In a September 2021 interview with the Mainichi Shimbun , Kishi stated that Japan cannot stand aside when events occur in Taiwan due to being close neighbors and allies with shared universal values such as freedom and democracy. In 2021, he visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine , making him the first sitting Defense Minister to do so since 2016. In response, the South Korean Foreign Ministry described his visit as "deplorable". After Suga's resignation as prime minister, his successor Fumio Kishida opted to retain Kishi as Defense minister after taking office in October 2021. Nikkei noted that this sent

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4992-404: The Taepodong-1 missile over northern Japan, the JMSDF has increased its efforts in air defense . A ship-based anti-ballistic missile system was successfully test-fired on 18 December 2007 and has been installed on Japan's Aegis-equipped destroyers. In November 2009, the JMSDF announced plans for a larger "helicopter carrier", the Izumo -class helicopter destroyer . The first one of these ships

5088-424: The U.S. Navy and U.S. Missile Defense Agency . This was the first time the two ships conducted SM-3 firings in the same time period, and the tests validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of Japan's newest Maya -class destroyers . On 22 February 2023, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan in response to

5184-423: The U.S. Navy and U.S. Missile Defense Agency . This was the first time the two ships conducted SM-3 firings in the same time period, and the tests validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of Japan's newest Maya -class destroyers . On 16 December 2022, Second Kishida Reshuffled Cabinet approved a trio of defense-related policy documents, including its new National Security Strategy (NSS or 国家安全保障戦略),

5280-459: 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. 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

5376-426: The United States. In 1954, the SSF was separated, and the JMSDF was formally created as the naval branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), following the passage of the 1954 Self-Defense Forces Law. The first ships in the JMSDF were former U.S. Navy destroyers, transferred to Japanese control in 1954. In 1956, the JMSDF received its first domestically produced destroyer since World War II, Harukaze . Due to

5472-407: The United States. The JMSDF has dispatched a number of its destroyers on a rotating schedule to the Indian Ocean in an escort role for allied vessels as part of the UN-led Operation Enduring Freedom . The JMSDF, along with the Japan Coast Guard , has also been active in preventing North Korean infiltrators from reaching Japan and on 22 December 2001, engaged and sank a North Korean spy ship in

5568-477: The aftermath of the Gulf War , under the name of Operation Gulf Dawn, to clear mines sown by Saddam Hussein 's defending forces. Starting with a mission to Cambodia in 1993 when JSDF personnel were supported by JDS Towada , it has been active in a number of UN-led peacekeeping operations throughout Asia. In 1993, the JMSDF commissioned its first Aegis -equipped destroyer, Kongō . It has also been active in joint naval exercises with other countries, such as

5664-411: The annual multi-national military exercise near Hawaii that has been hosted by the U.S. Navy since 1980. The JMSDF dispatched a ship to the Russian Vladivostok harbor in July 1996 to participate in the Russian Navy 's 300th Anniversary Naval Review. In return, Admiral Vinogradov , an Udaloy -class destroyer , called at Tokyo Bay in June 1997. The JMSDF has also conducted joint naval exercises with

5760-421: The cancelled Aegis Ashore land-based BMD system. 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

5856-441: The country that have ELINT and marine surveillance radar warning systems. Historically, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has been relied on to provide air cover at sea, a role that is subordinate to the JASDF's primary mission of air defense of the home islands. Extended patrols over sea lanes are beyond the JASDF's current capabilities. The Japanese fleet's capacity to provide ship-based antiaircraft warfare protection

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5952-424: The defense minister ordered the JMSDF to return from the Indian Ocean, fulfilling a government pledge to end the eight-year refueling mission. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama refused to renew the law authorizing the mission, ignoring requests from the American government for continuation. Both the Western alliance country typified by the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Danish Navy , doing friendship activities in

6048-403: The edge of the East China Sea. 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

6144-411: The end of the decade, the JMSDF will operate 12 ships equipped with Aegis Weapon System (AWS) and likewise plans to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers and destroyer escorts with Mogami -class frigates . On 23 December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense's 2023 budget and program guidance documented provided examples of operations (運用の一例) for the Aegis-equipped naval forces of

6240-406: The first time in 36 years. After a meeting between the Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida ( Second Abe Cabinet ) and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy on 4 March 2014, the Japanese Defense Ministry and U.S. Department of Defense announced they would hold studies for the joint development of the littoral vessel under the bilateral Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement. The vessel

6336-661: The first to be contracted for in fiscal year 2015 and the other in fiscal year 2016. (Diesel-electric) ( AIP sterling engine + lead-acid batteries) ( AIP lithium-ion batteries) (+2 ordered, +2 planned) ( AIP lithium ion) Officially classed as "helicopter destroyers", these vessels have a full-length flight deck helicopter carrier configuration. ( de facto helicopter carrier) ( de facto light aircraft carrier) ( de facto Amphibious transport dock ) ( air-cushioned landing craft ) (Landing craft mechanized) (Landing craft utility) (Landing craft lighters) The JMSDF uses

6432-447: The fleet to guard the waters of their jurisdictions and provide shore-based support. Each district is home to a major JMSDF base and its supporting personnel and staff. Each district is home to one or two regional escort squadrons, composed of two to three destroyers or destroyer escorts (DE). The destroyers tend to be of older classes, mainly former escort force ships. The destroyer escorts tend to be purpose built vessels. Each district has

6528-425: 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

6624-424: 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),

6720-417: 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. At 20,000 tons each, both vessels will be the largest surface combatant warships operated by the JMSDF, and according to Popular Mechanics , they will "arguably [be] the largest deployable surface warships in

6816-423: The guided-missile destroyer Maya fired an SM-3 Block IIA missile, successfully intercepting the target outside the atmosphere in the first launch of the missile from a Japanese warship. Two days later, the Haguro fired an SM-3 Block IB missile with a successful hit outside the atmosphere. Both test firings were conducted at the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai Island , Hawaii, in cooperation with

6912-500: The launch of a North Korean Hwasong-15 ballistic missile on 18 February 2023, landing in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan, in an area 125 miles west of the island of Ōshima , which lies 30 miles (48 km) west of the main island of Hokkaido . Two additional IBCBMs were subsequently launched on 20 February 2023, with both landing in the Sea of Japan off the east coast of

7008-495: The means to achieve them while the Defense Buildup Program (DBP or 防衛力整備計画) document outlined the scale of the introduction of specific defense equipment within the budgetary objectives. According to the Defense Buildup Program document, the JMSDF will increase the number of Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers (DDG) from the current 8 to 10 warships, as well as the introduction of two Aegis system-equipped vessels (ASEV) to be deployed in ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations. By

7104-420: The news of Kishi's appointment, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman expressed hope that Japan would refrain from developing official ties with Taiwan. In October 2020, Kishi released a joint statement with Australian Minister of Defense Linda Reynolds that announced that Japan's Self Defense Forces would be enabled to protect Australian military assets, an act which was made legal in September 2015 through

7200-462: The official term Destroyers despite some larger ships being analogous to cruisers and smaller vessels being analogous to frigates by most international classifications. (+4 ordered +2 planned) Designed for anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare, as well as surveillance and minesweeping. JS  Niyodo , JS  Yūbetsu launched, but still being fitted out. 12 instead of 22 are planned in total. A new design should make

7296-601: 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 . 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

7392-428: The other submarines within this class. 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 . 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

7488-705: The prefix JS (Japanese Ship) to reflect the upgrade of the Japanese Defense Agency to the Ministry of Defense . As of 2014 , the JMSDF operates a total of 124 ships, excluding minor auxiliary vessels. This includes: two multi-purpose operation destroyers (de facto aircraft carriers ), two helicopter carriers ( called helicopter destroyers ), 26 destroyers , 10 small destroyers ( or frigates ), six destroyer escorts ( or corvettes ), 22 attack submarines , 29 mine countermeasure vessels , six patrol vessels , three landing ship tanks , eight training vessels and

7584-522: 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 . At a press conference held on February 16, 2021, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced that the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) established

7680-593: 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. A JMU representative told Jane's 360 that while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force did not have

7776-403: 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

7872-425: The second ship of the class, Hakugei , was commissioned in 2023. On 30 June 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense announced the construction of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at a cost of ¥ 9 billion (US$ 66 million) per ship. The purpose of this OPV program is to provide enhanced maritime security, particularly around

7968-488: 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. 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). Overall,

8064-464: The smaller carriers as " anti-submarine aircraft carriers ". Since helicopter carriers have little built-in attack capability and they primarily fulfill defensive roles such as anti-submarine warfare, the Japanese government argues that the prohibition does not extend to helicopter carriers. With an increase in tensions with North Korea following the 1993 test of the Nodong-1 missile and the 1998 test of

8160-411: The southwestern Ryukyu Islands , including the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea , by boosting JMSDF patrol activities in the region. These vessels are highly automated and configurable to meet a wide range of missions involving "enhanced steady-state intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in the waters around Japan". Under the contract, JMU is charged with delivering

8256-428: The strategic guideline document for the Japanese government's policies regarding diplomacy, defense, and economic security for the next decade. Based on the NSS, the National Defense Strategy (国家防衛戦略) outlined Japan's defense policy goals and the means to achieve them while the Defense Buildup Program (防衛力整備計画) outlined the scale of the introduction of specific defense equipment within the budgetary objectives. According to

8352-698: The subcontractor. Both JMU and MHI as well as Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding had submitted preliminary designs for the proposed next-generation OPVs. 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

8448-590: The world". On 16 November 2022, the guided-missile destroyer Maya fired an SM-3 Block IIA missile, successfully intercepting the target outside the atmosphere in the first launch of the missile from a Japanese warship. On 18 November 2022, the Haguro likewise fired an SM-3 Block IB missile with a successful hit outside the atmosphere. Both test firings were conducted at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai Island , Hawaii, in cooperation with

8544-702: Was commissioned in March 2020. Japan and the United States conducted the biggest military exercise around Japan in the biennial Keen Sword from 29 October to 2 November 2018. It included a total of 57,000 sailors, marines and airmen. 47,000 service members were from the JSDF and 10,000 from the U.S. Armed Forces . A naval supply ship and a frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy also participated. There were simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and amphibious landings. On 18 December 2018, Japan announced it would refit

8640-447: Was dispatched to protect a U.S. Navy supply vessel in the Pacific. This was the first time the JMSDF was used to defend allied vessels since the 2016 amendment to the Japanese Constitution. Japan christened the 84 m (275 ft 7 in) long, 2,950 t (2,900-long-ton) JS Ōryū submarine on October 4 2018. It is Japan's first submarine powered by lithium-ion batteries and was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries . It

8736-574: Was elected to the House of Representatives in the 2012 Japanese general election after resigning from his House of Councillors seat. He re-took a seat in Yamaguchi Prefecture that had previously belonged to his grandfather Nobusuke Kishi and great-uncle Eisaku Sato , but that had been lost to the Democratic Party of Japan in the 2009 Japanese general election . Following the 2012 election, Kishi's brother Abe became prime minister. Kishi

8832-445: Was eventually transferred to the newly formed Maritime Safety Agency , which helped maintain the resources and expertise of the navy. Japan's 1947 Constitution was drawn up after the conclusion of the war, which contained Article 9 , which specified that "The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes." The prevalent view in Japan

8928-438: Was laid down in 2012 and was launched on 6 August 2013. The submarine fleet of the JMSDF consists of some of the most technologically advanced diesel-electric submarines in the world. This is due to careful defense planning in which the submarines are routinely retired from service ahead of schedule and replaced by more advanced models. In 2010 it was announced that the Japanese submarine fleet would be increased in size for

9024-461: Was preparing to enter university. Kishi spent the first decade of his life living in Tokyo with his grandfather, former prime minister Nobusuke Kishi . He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University in 1981 and joined Sumitomo Corporation , where he worked until 2002. His postings included the United States, Vietnam, and Australia. With his brother Abe's backing, Kishi was elected to

9120-717: Was promoted to Senior Vice Foreign Minister in 2013. Kishi became known during this time for his role in promoting the Japan-Taiwan relationship. He helped to arrange an historic meeting between Prime Minister Abe and ROC opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen in 2015. After Tsai's reelection as president, Kishi met with Tsai in Taiwan in January 2020 and again in July 2020 (when he attended the funeral of President Lee Teng-hui ). In 2019, he publicly advocated for Japan acquiring strike capabilities as

9216-597: Was the third time Japanese military vessels had been dispatched overseas since World War II, following the deployments of mine-sweeping units during the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War . The law enabling the mission expired on 2 November 2007, and the operation was temporarily canceled due to a veto of a new bill authorizing the mission by the opposition-controlled upper chamber of the Japanese Diet . In January 2010,

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