The program is expected to put into operation a total of 12 multi-purpose ships, with the first four of them being moored in February at the Japan Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, according to Army Recognition.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense said that the first two ships will be launched in November this year, followed by two ships in March 2026. All four ships are expected to be handed over to JMSDF before March 2027.
Each ship is 95m long, 12m wide and has a standard water expansion of about 1,920 tons. The ship's design integrates many stealth technology features, notably low radar reflection, helping to reduce the possibility of detection.
The control system on the ship is highly automated, allowing operation with a crew of only 30 people. The ships are optimized for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, and have modular design that allows the deck to be customized to carry a variety of equipment for different missions.
Although the only fixed weapon on the ship is a 30mm medium-range remote control fighter - suitable for peacetime patrols, the ship's structure still allows the integration of anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-underground missiles when necessary.
Notably, the new patrol ships are also equipped with the ability to deploy modern unmanned equipment. Including the V-BAT UAV developed by Shield AI, capable of take-off and landing vertically in a space of only 4 m2 and operating continuously for up to 10 hours, significantly expanding the range of monitoring. The design also allows the operation of unmanned aerial and underwater devices, improving the efficiency of ISR missions and protecting sovereignty over islands.
With remarkable improvements in stealth technology, automation and the ability to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles, Japan's new shipbuilding program is expected to significantly enhance the defense and combat capabilities of JMSDF in the near future.
