Japan signs contract for 12 new naval offshore patrol vessels
Design of new Japanese OPV taken from ATLA's presentation. Photo c/o Japan ATLA |
The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will be getting 12 new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), with Japan Marine United (JMU) selected as the project’s main contractor, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) selected as the main subcontractor.
Both companies, as well as Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, were being considered by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).
JMU was selected over its competitors due to its proposal being superior in terms of fuel efficiency, manpower cost savings, life cycle costs, and maintainability, among others.
The new OPVs will be utilized to increase naval presence and increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in Japanese waters and exclusive economic zones especially in disputed areas in the country’s western and southwestern flanks.
The vessels are expected to have a high degree of automation which would allow a total crew of around 30 officers and sailors, a high adaptability and stealthy design, and modularity including deck space for modular payloads and ISO containerized mission modules.
They are also design to allow easy maintenance and low fuel consumption, and will include a maintenance support package.
Each vessel is expected to cost around JPY9 billion (US$67 million), and will be 95 meters long, have a width of 12 meters, a displacement of around 1,920 tons.
It would be powered via a Combined Diesel Electric and Diesel (CODLAD) allowing a maximum speed of over 20 knots.
The ships would be equipped with a 30mm main gun, and would have landing deck and hangar for helicopter and/or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.
[1] Naval News
[2] Shephard Media
[3] The Diplomat
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