JS Mikuma

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Mikuma.
JS Mikuma
History
Japan
Name
  • Mikuma
  • (みくま)
NamesakeMikuma
Ordered2020
BuilderMitsubishi, Nagasaki
Laid down15 July 2020
Launched10 December 2021
Commissioned7 March 2023
IdentificationPennant number: FFM-4
StatusActive
General characteristics
Class and typeMogami-class frigate
Displacement
  • 3,900 tons standard
  • 5,500 tons full load
Length133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Height9 m (29 ft 6 in)
Propulsion
Speedover 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew90
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
Aircraft carried1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilitiesSingle hangar

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.

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]

References

  1. ^ Kosuke Takahashi (10 December 2021). "Japan's MHI Launches Fourth Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate for JMSDF". The Diplomat. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ "Japan's ATLA Selected MHI & Mitsui to build 30DX Surface Combatant for JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  4. ^ "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveiled 30FF or DEX Next Generation Vessel Concept for the JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ "SAS 2018: Japan's MHI Showcasing 30DX Multi-Mission Frigate Design". Navy Recognition. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  7. ^ Kosuke Takahashi (2 November 2018). "MHI to build two new multirole frigates for JMSDF". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  8. ^ "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate JS Mikuma". Navy Recognition. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  9. ^ Editorial, Defense Brief (10 December 2021). "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate Mikuma". Defense Brief. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  10. ^ "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.