List of active Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships

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.

JMSDF ensign of Japan.

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

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Submarines (24 in service)
Oyashio-class	8		Attack submarine (Diesel-electric)	JS Uzushio	SS-592	2000	2,750 tonnes (surfaced) 4,000 tonnes (submerged)	2 of 11 built converted to training ships (see Training Vessels below) & one decommissioned
				JS Isoshio	SS-594	2002
				JS Narushio	SS-595	2003
				JS Kuroshio	SS-596	2004
				JS Takashio	SS-597	2005
				JS Yaeshio	SS-598	2006
				JS Setoshio	SS-599	2007
				JS Mochishio	SS-600	2008
Sōryū-class	10		Attack submarine (AIP sterling engine + lead-acid batteries)	JS Sōryū	SS-501	2009	2,900 tonnes (surfaced) 4,200 tonnes (submerged)	[6]
				JS Unryū	SS-502	2010
				JS Hakuryū	SS-503	2011
				JS Kenryū	SS-504	2012
				JS Zuiryū	SS-505	2013
				JS Kokuryū	SS-506	2015
				JS Jinryū	SS-507	2016
				JS Sekiryū	SS-508	2017
				JS Seiryū	SS-509	2018
				JS Shōryū	SS-510	2019
	2		Attack submarine (AIP lithium-ion batteries)	JS Ōryū	SS-511	2020		The JS Ōryū is the world's first submarine powered by lithium-ion batteries.[7]
				JS Tōryū	SS-512	2021
Taigei-class	4 (+1 ordered, +2 planned)		Attack submarine (AIP lithium ion)	JS Taigei	SS-513	2022	3,000 tonnes (surfaced)	Total planned of 7[8][9]
				JS Hakugei	SS-514	2023
				JS Jingei	SS-515	2024
				JS Raigei	SS-516	2025

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.

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
DDH – Helicopter-carrying destroyers (4 in service)
Hyūga-class	2		DDH (de facto helicopter carrier)	JS Hyūga	DDH-181	2009	19,000 tonnes	[10]
				JS Ise	DDH-182	2011
Izumo-class	2		DDH (de facto light aircraft carrier)	JS Izumo	DDH-183	2015	27,000 tonnes	Converting into light aircraft carrier configuration to carry F-35B V/STOL fighters from the mid-2020s.[11][12]
				JS Kaga	DDH-184	2017

Landing ships

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Landing ships - LST (3 in service)
Ōsumi-class	3		Landing ship tank (de facto Amphibious transport dock)	JS Ōsumi	LST 4001	1998	14,000 tonnes	Class upgraded to land Boeing MV-22s and carry the AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles.[13][14][15]
				JS Shimokita	LST 4002	2002
				JS Kunisaki	LST 4003	2003
Landing craft (15 in service)
1-Go-class	6		LCAC (air-cushioned landing craft)	—	LCAC-2101	1997	182 tonnes	2 carried with each Ōsumi-class ships [16][17][18]
				—	LCAC-2102	1997
				—	LCAC-2103	2001
				—	LCAC-2104	2001
				—	LCAC-2105	2002
				—	LCAC-2106	2002
YL-09-class	7		LCM (Landing craft mechanized)	—	YL-12	—	50 tonnes
				—	YL-13	—
				—	YL-14	—
				—	YL-15	—
				—	YL-16	—
				—	YL-17	—
				—	YL-18	—
LCU-2001-class	1		LCU (Landing craft utility)	JS LC-02	LCU-2002	1992	50 tonnes	JS LC-01 decommissioned in 2022
YL-119-class	1		LCL (Landing craft lighters)	—	YL-119	—	200 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]

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Guided missiles destroyers - DDG (8 in service)
Kongō-class	4		DDG (Aegis)	JS Kongō	DDG-173	1993	9,500 tonnes	[20]
				JS Kirishima	DDG-174	1995
				JS Myōkō	DDG-175	1996
				JS Chōkai	DDG-176	1998
Atago-class	2		DDG (Aegis)	JS Atago	DDG-177	2007	10,000 tonnes	[21]
				JS Ashigara	DDG-178	2008
Maya-class	2		DDG (Aegis)	JS Maya	DDG-179	2020	10,500 tonnes	[22]
				JS Haguro	DDG-180	2021
Destroyers - DD (28 in service)
Asagiri-class	8		DD	JS Asagiri	DD-151	1988	5,200 tonnes	Being replaced by the Mogami-class [23]
				JS Yamagiri	DD-152	1989
				JS Yūgiri	DD-153	1989
				JS Amagiri	DD-154	1989
				JS Hamagiri	DD-155	1990
				JS Setogiri	DD-156	1990
				JS Sawagiri	DD-157	1990
				JS Umigiri	DD-158	1991
Murasame-class	9		DD	JS Murasame	DD-101	1996	6,200 tonnes	[24]
				JS Harusame	DD-102	1997
				JS Yūdachi	DD-103	1999
				JS Kirisame	DD-104	1999
				JS Inazuma	DD-105	2000
				JS Samidare	DD-106	2000
				JS Ikazuchi	DD-107	2001
				JS Akebono	DD-108	2002
				JS Ariake	DD-109	2002
Takanami-class	5		DD	JS Takanami	DD-110	2003	6,400 tonnes	[25]
				JS Onami	DD-111	2003
				JS Makinami	DD-112	2004
				JS Sazanami	DD-113	2005
				JS Suzunami	DD-114	2006
Akizuki-class	4		DD	JS Akizuki	DD-115	2012	6,800 tonnes	[26]
				JS Teruzuki	DD-116	2013
				JS Suzutsuki	DD-117	2014
				JS Fuyuzuki	DD-118	2014
Asahi-class	2		DD	JS Asahi	DD-119	2018	6,800 tonnes	[27]
				JS Shiranui	DD-120	2019

Frigate Multi-Purpose/Mine - FFM

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Frigate Multi-Purpose/Mine - FFM (6 in Service)
Mogami-class	6 (+4 ordered +2 planned)		Frigate	JS Mogami	FFM-1	2022	5,500 tonnes	Successor 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 Niyodo, JS Yūbetsu & 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 10 other ships.[29]
				JS Kumano	FFM-2	2022
				JS Noshiro	FFM-3	2022
				JS Mikuma	FFM-4	2023
				JS Yahagi	FFM-5	2024
				JS Agano	FFM-6	2024

Destroyer escorts - DE

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Destroyer escorts - DE (6 in service)
Abukuma-class	6		Destroyer escort (or frigate)	JS Abukuma	DE-229	1989	2,550 tonnes	To be replaced by the Mogami-class [30][31]
				JS Jintsū	DE-230	1990
				JS Ōyodo	DE-231	1991
				JS Sendai	DE-232	1991
				JS Chikuma	DE-233	1993
				JS Tone	DE-234	1993

Mine countermeasure vessels

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Mine countermeasure vessels (19 in service)
Uraga-class	2		Mine countermeasure support ship	JS Uraga	MST-463	1997	6,850 tonnes	[32]
				JS Bungo	MST-464	1998
Sugashima-class	8		Minesweeper	JS Naoshima	MSC-684	2001	650 tonnes	[33] three decommissioned (one after collision, 2019) & one sunk after fire, 2024
				JS Toyoshima	MSC-685	2002
				JS Izushima	MSC-687	2003
				JS Aishima	MSC-688	2004
				JS Aoshima	MSC-689	2005
				JS Miyajima	MSC-690	2005
				JS Shishijima	MSC-691	2006
				JS Kuroshima	MSC-692	2007
Hirashima-class	3		Minesweeper	JS Hirashima	MSC-601	2008	650 tonnes	[34]
				JS Yakushima	MSC-602	2009
				JS Takashima	MSC-603	2010
Enoshima-class	3		Minesweeper	JS Enoshima	MSC-604	2012	650 tonnes	[34]
				JS Chichijima	MSC-605	2013
				JS Hatsushima	MSC-606	2015
Awaji-class	4		Minesweeper	JS Awaji	MSO-304	2017	690 tonnes	[35][36]
				JS Hirado	MSO-305	2018
				JS Etajima	MSO-306	2021
				JS Nōmi	MSO-307	2025

Patrol vessels

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Patrol vessels (6 in service)
Hayabusa-class	6		Guided-Missile Patrol Boat	JS Hayabusa	PG-824	2002	240 tonnes	[37]
				JS Wakataka	PG-825	2002
				JS Otaka	PG-826	2003
				JS Kumataka	PG-827	2003
				JS Umitaka	PG-828	2004
				JS Shirataka	PG-829	2004

Surveillance ships

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Surveillance ships (3 in service)
Hibiki-class	3 (+1 ordered)		Ocean surveillance ship	JS Hibiki	AOS-5201	1991	2,896–3,861 tonnes	Equipped with a AN/UQQ-2 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System [38]
				JS Harima	AOS-5202	1992
				JS Aki	AOS-5203	2021

Training vessels

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Training submarine (2 in service)
Oyashio-class	2		Training attack submarine (Diesel-electric)	JS Makishio	TSS-[clarification needed] (former SS-593)	Commissioned in 1998, converted in 2023	2,750 tonnes (surfaced) 4,000 tonnes (submerged)	[39]
				JS Michishio	TSS-3609 (former SS-591)	Commissioned in 1999, converted in 2017
Training surface vessels (5 in service)
Kashima-class	1		Cadet training ship	JS Kashima	TV-3508	1995	4,050 tonnes
Hatakaze-class	2		Training guided-missile destroyers	JS Hatakaze	TV-3520 (former DDG-171)	Commissioned in 1986, converted in 2020	6,100 tonnes	Converted Hatakaze-class guided missile destroyer
				JS Shimakaze	TV-3521 (former DDG-172)	Commissioned in 1988, converted in 2021
Kurobe-class	1		Training support ship	JS Kurobe	ATS-4202	1989	2,590 tonnes
Tenryū-class	1		Training support ship	JS Tenryū	ATS-4203	2000	2,790 tonnes

Auxiliary fleet

Logistics

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Replenishment ships (5 in service)
Towada-class	3		Replenishment oiler	JS Towada	AOE-422	1987	15,000 tonnes	[40]
				JS Tokiwa	AOE-423	1990
				JS Hamana	AOE-424	1990
Mashū-class	2		Replenishment oiler	JS Mashū	AOE-425	2006	25,000 tonnes	[41]
				JS Ōmi	AOE-426	2006
Oil tankers (2 in service)
YOT-01-class	2		Yard oiler tanker	—	YOT-01	2022	6,000 tonnes	[42]
				—	YOT-02	2022

Miscellaneous

Class	In service	Picture	Type	Ship	No.	Comm.	Displacement	Notes
Experimental ships (1 in service)
Asuka-class	1		Experiment ship	JS Asuka	ASE-6102	1995	6,300 tonnes	Performance confirmation tests for integrated navigation systems.
Training support ships (5 in service)
Hiuchi-class	5		Training support ship	JS Hiuchi	AMS-4301	2002	1,000 tonnes	[43] Support training exercises of other ships, including shooting practice and torpedo launching practice.
				JS Suo	AMS-4302	2004
				JS Amakusa	AMS-4303	2004
				JS Genkai	AMS-4304	2008
				JS Enshu	AMS-4305	2008
Rescue vessels (2 in service)
Chihaya-class	1		Submarine rescue vessel	JS Chihaya	ASR-403	2000	7,000 tonnes	[44][45][46]
Chiyoda-class	1		Submarine rescue vessel	JS Chiyoda	ASR-404	2018	7,200 tonnes	JMSDF commissions new submarine rescue ship[47]
Disaster relief (1 in service)
Hashidate-class	1		Accommodation ship	JS Hashidate	AYS-91	1999	490 tonnes	Participates in disaster relief [48][49]
Diving support vessels (6 in service)
YDT-01-class	6		Diving support vessel	—	YDT-01	2000	260 tonnes	Used for EOD missions. [50][51]
				—	YDT-02	2000
				—	YDT-03	2001
				—	YDT-04	2001
				—	YDT-05	2003
				—	YDT-06	2003
Cable laying ship (1 in service)
Muroto-class	1		Cable laying ship	JS Muroto	ARC-483	2013	6,500 tonnes
Icebreaker (1 in service)
Shirase-class (2008)	1		Icebreaker	JS Shirase	AGB-5003	2009	20,000 tonnes	[52][53]
Research ships (3 in service)
Futami-class	1		Oceanographic research ship	JS Wakasa	AGS-5104	1986	3,200 tonnes	First of the class retired in 2010
Nichinan -class	1		Oceanographic research ship	JS Nichinan	AGS-5105	1999	4,500 tonnes	[54][55]
Shōnan-class	1		Oceanographic research ship	JS Shōnan	AGS-5106	2010	4,150 tonnes	[56]
Private Maritime Transport Services (2 in service) Not part of the JMSDF, under charter to the MoD
	1		High speed catamaran	Natchan World		2016	10,715 tonnes	Contract renewed in FY2024 [57]
	1		Roll-on/roll-off	Hakuo		2014	17,345 tonnes	Contract renewed in FY2024 [58]

Future JMSDF vessels

29SS-type submarine Taigei launch

30DX-type frigate Mogami launch

Japanese BMD map

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

Main article: Taigei-class submarine

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.^[59][60]

Aegis system equipped ships (ASEV)

Main article: Aegis system equipped vessels (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.^[61] 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.^{[62][63][64][65]}

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.^[66]

30FFM frigates

Main article: Mogami-class frigate

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.^[67]

Amphibious transport vessels

See also: General Frank S. Besson-class support vessel

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.^[68][69] 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.^[70]

Next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPV)

Main article: Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program

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.^[71][72]

Proposed projects

See also: Territorial disputes of Japan

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.^[73]

Amphibious assault ships (LHD)

See also: Amphibious assault ship

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.^[74]

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.^[75][76][77]

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).^[76][77] 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.^[76] 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.^[76]

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.^[78]

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.^[78]

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.^[78]

Amphibious transport dock (LPD)

See also: Type 071 amphibious transport dock, Albion-class landing platform dock, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock

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.^[79]

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.^[79]

Mobile landing platform (MLP)

See also: Expeditionary Transfer Dock

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.^[80]

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.^[80]

33DD destroyers

Main article: 33DD destroyer

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).^[81][82]

High Speed Multi-hull Vessel Optimization (HSMVO)

Main article: Future Multi Purpose Trimaran concept

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.^[83][84] 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.^[84]

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.^[84] To date, no decision has been made regarding the future acquisition and construction of warships based on the HSMVO design concept.