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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| Length | 133 m (436 ft 4 in) |
| Beam | 16 m (52 ft 6 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) |
| Boats & landing craft carried | 2 × RHIB, UUV, USV |
| Crew | 90 |
| Sensors and processing systems | |
| Electronic warfare & decoys | NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser |
| Armament |
|
| Aircraft carried | 1 × SH-60L helicopter |
| Aviation facilities | Single hangar |
Development and design
editIn 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
editMikuma 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]
References
edit- ^ Kosuke Takahashi (10 December 2021). "Japan's MHI Launches Fourth Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate for JMSDF". The Diplomat. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2015 Budget" (PDF). Japan Ministry of Defense. January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ "Japan's ATLA Selected MHI & Mitsui to build 30DX Surface Combatant for JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveiled 30FF or DEX Next Generation Vessel Concept for the JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ DefenseWebTV (12 April 2018). "Sea-Air-Space 2018 Day 3 – JMSDF 30DX – Zodiac H-1300 – MARTAC Mantas – HII LX(R) – Airbus VSR700". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ "SAS 2018: Japan's MHI Showcasing 30DX Multi-Mission Frigate Design". Navy Recognition. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ Kosuke Takahashi (2 November 2018). "MHI to build two new multirole frigates for JMSDF". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
- ^ "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate JS Mikuma". Navy Recognition. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- ^ Editorial, Defense Brief (10 December 2021). "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate Mikuma". Defense Brief. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- ^ "令和元年度計画護衛艦の起工式の開催". Japan Ministry of Defense. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2021.