The Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program consists of a planned 12 OPV-type patrol vessels to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Four ships were initially scheduled to be introduced by FY2024, and 12 by FY2029.[3] The first four OPVs are part of the 2023 Defense budget of the Japanese MOD.[4]
Design
These vessels are highly automated and configurable to meet a wide range of missions to provide “enhanced steady-state intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in the waters around Japan.” Under the contract, JMU is charged with delivering the 12 vessels to the JMSDF from fiscal year 2023, which starts on April 1, 2023. The vessels each displace 1,920 long tons (1,950 t) while measuring about 95 m (311 ft 8 in) in length and 12 m (39 ft 4 in) in width.[1][2] The OPV will use the UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) NORA-50 integration mast, which has a bar-shaped dome that houses the antennas for tactical data link, Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), and communications. According to ATLA, UNICORN has a shape designed to reduce the radar cross section (RCS), which makes it stealthy. It is currently being installed on the Mogami-class frigates entering service or under construction. In addition, there is a possibility that they will be considered for integration into the OPV.[3]
Equipment
Ship & power systems
Each OPV features a combined diesel-electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system, wherein an electric motor and a diesel engine act on a single propeller, providing a maximum speed in excess of 20 kn (23 mph; 37 km/h). The conception artwork also depicts a bow thruster system.[1][2] Each OPV will be armed with a foredeck-mounted 30-mm naval gun for self-defense. A crane is fitted to the aft section of the vessel near the multi-purpose hangar and multipurpose rear deck for helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. A launch and recovery system (LARS) is also integrated to the stern.[1][2]
Mission modules
The OPVs have ISO containerization capabilities for mission modules that can be installed on board.[1][2] Minesweeping-related equipment, such as the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) and Expendable Mine Disposal (EMD), were part of the preliminary design work by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding and displayed at the 2019 MAST Asia defense trade-show, but no decision was made on the final mine counter-measures (MCM) suite.[3]
According to its published budget overview, for Fiscal Year 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Defense allocated 35.7 billion yens ($230 million USD) for the first four ships in the next-generation OPV program.[6]
The proposed JMSDF next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) have not been officially named. Ships of the JMSDF are known as Japan Ships (自衛艦; Ji'ei-Kan) and are classified according to the warship type. Patrol boats (PG) are named for birds, grass or one that added a number to the type. It is not known if these proposed next-generation offshore patrol vessels will have a new type designation (i.e., OPV) or patrol boats (PG)..
