JS Mikuma

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Mikuma.

JS Mikuma (FFM-4) is the fourth ship of the Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).^[1] She was named after the Mikuma River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Mikuma and Cold War destroyer escort Mikuma.

JS Mikuma
History
Japan
Name	Mikuma (みくま)
Namesake	Mikuma
Ordered	2020
Builder	Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
Laid down	15 July 2020
Launched	10 December 2021
Commissioned	7 March 2023
Identification	Pennant number: FFM-4
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class and type	Mogami-class frigate
Displacement	3,900 tons standard 5,500 tons full load
Length	133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam	16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Height	9 m (29 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	CODAG 1 × Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine 2 × MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engine
Speed	over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing craft carried	2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew	90
Sensors and processing systems	OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar) OAX-3(EO/IR) OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS) OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar) OYQ-1 (Combat management system) OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare & decoys	NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament	1 × 5 in (127 mm) Mk-45 Mod 4 naval gun 2 × missile canisters for a total of 8 Type 17 anti-ship missiles 1 × SeaRAM Type 12 torpedoes Simplified mine laying equipment 16 × Mk-41 VLS Naval version of Type 03 Chū-SAM 2 × Remote weapon station
Aircraft carried	1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilities	Single hangar

Development and design

Main article: Mogami-class frigate

In 2015 the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new "compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities" as well as a new radar system for the destroyer.^[2] In the same year Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they have been developing with their own funds.^[3][4]

The 30DX design has an overall length of 133 m, breadth of 16 m, a standard displacement of 3900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5500 tons, and a maximum speed of over 30 knots.^[5] Weapons include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon station above the bridge, 16 Mk 41 VLS at the bow, 8 anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60Lhelicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. It can also deploy and recover UUV, USV, and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helideck.^[6] It is also expected to use a naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM.^[7]

Construction and career

Mikuma was laid down on 15 July 2020 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki and launched on 10 December 2021.^[8][9] She was commissioned in 7 March 2023.^[10]