Japan accelerates naval shipbuilding with new OPVs, destroyers and amphibious craft
JMU and BMT exhibited this model of Japan’s version of the Caimen landing craft. It forms the basis for the Maneuver Support Vessel. (Photo: author)
Japan Marine United has made advances in OPV construction, as it unveils next-gen DDGX concepts and expands fast-landing craft fleet for island defence.
Japan Marine United (JMU), a major naval shipyard that produces Japan’s naval surface vessels, has four offshore patrol vessels (OPV) that will be used for coastal patrol by Japan’s navy currently under construction.
Speaking at DSEI Japan 2025, held from 21-23 May, Tetsuya Shibuta, manager of planning team – planning group for Naval Ship Engineering Department, Yokohama Shipyard, told Shephard that JMU has almost finished the critical design phase for the vessels which it named 05OPVs.
While design has not yet been finalised, the shipbuilder started cutting steel and building blocks in February. Furthermore, next month, block loading will occur
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
![Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win]()
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
