Japan launches its second new 30DX multi-mission frigate

 


The second ship of the class, the Kumano, being launched in Mitsui E&S' Tamano shipyard on 19 November 2020. Photo c/o The Japan Maritime Daily Photo Club.


The second new 30DX frigate bound for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) was launched by its Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) in its shipyard in Tamano on 19 November 2020.

The ship, which will be called the JS Kumano (FFM-2) once commissioned with the JMSDF, is actually the first ship of the class to be launched, after the first ship being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) encountered delays and is still undergoing drydock construction.

The future JS Kumano is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF by March 2022, and will still undergo major dockside fitout works and sea trials for another 1 year or so.

The 30DX is a next generation frigate-sized warship class being built for the JMSDF, with a target production of up to 22 ships over the next few years.

The 30DX would be undertaking patrols of Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secondary missions including overseas deployment, and will feature new technologies that would allow the reduction of crew by using modern automated systems. It will also be allowing modular systems and features a more compact design compared similar ships in the JMSDF.

The ships are expected to displace at around 5,500 tons, will be around 132.5 meters long, and will have a maximum speed of over 30 knots using a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) configuration with using a single Rolls Royce MT-30 gas turbine and two MAN 12V28/33D diesel engines.

The new frigates are expected to replace older destroyers and destroyer escorts of the JMSDF, including the Abukuma, Hatsuyuki, and Asagiri classes.

Weapons expected to be installed on the 30DX include a BAE Systems Mk. 45 127mm naval gun, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns in remote controlled weapon stations, two quadruple launchers for Type 17 anti-ship missiles, a SEARAM system, and a Mk. 41 vertical launching system, which appears to be fitted for but not with once the ships are delivered to the JMSDF.



[1] The Japan Maritime Daily Photo Club
[2] Naval News

Japan launches its second new 30DX multi-mission frigate Japan launches its second new 30DX multi-mission frigate Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on November 19, 2020 Rating: 5

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