Japan introduces new landing craft classes to transport army equipment
The Japanese 2,400t landing craft utility Nihonbare (‘4151’) was launched in late-October. (Photo: Japan MoD)
Japan’s new Nihonbare-class landing craft has highlighted Tokyo’s strategic moves to secure its archipelagic regions. Their introduction could be of interest to Australia as it develops its own amphibious capabilities.
Japan has launched a new class of landing craft to enable to army to eliminate gaps in its ability to rapidly move equipment and troops to archipelagic areas using amphibious transport vessels.
The boat, to be christened Nihonbare (pennant number ‘4151’) once it has been commissioned next March, is being constructed by the Setoda Shipyard of Naikai Zosen in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is calling the platform a landing craft utility (LCU), but it might better be considered a landing ship tank (LST). This vessel has a standard displacement of around 2,400t and a crew of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Denmark’s air defence frigate requirement draws growing European competition]()
Denmark’s air defence frigate requirement draws growing European competition
With no formal competition under way, industrial partnerships, production capacity and air defence capability could all shape the programme as Denmark considers how to replace its three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?]()
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
-
![Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV]()
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
