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Japan launches first of new frigate class

23rd November 2020 - 21:55 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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The first of an extensive class of new frigates for the JMSDF has been launched in Japan.

A new 3,900t frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was launched by Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding in Okayama on 19 November. Significantly, the new class has a low radar cross-section, features reduced manning and integrates unmanned systems.

On the occasion of the 30FFM design’s launch, the JMSDF stated, ‘She combines compactness and manpower saving. We will make every effort to defend our country.’ Its crew is just 90 personnel thanks to high levels of automation.

The future warship, constructed at Mitsui’s Tamano Works shipyard, will be christened JS Kumano, the name of a Japanese river. Unless COVID-19

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