JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020
| |
History | |
---|---|
Japan | |
Name |
|
Namesake | Kumano |
Ordered | 2018 |
Builder | Mitsui, Tamano |
Laid down | 30 October 2019 |
Launched | 19 November 2020 |
Commissioned | Expected, March 2022 |
Identification | Pennant number: FFM-2 |
Status | Fitting out |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | 30DX frigate |
Displacement |
|
Length | 130.0 m (426 ft 6 in) |
Beam | 16.0 m (52 ft 6 in) |
Propulsion |
|
Speed | 30+ knots |
Boats & landing craft carried | 2 x RHIB, UUV, USV |
Crew | 90 |
Sensors and processing systems | |
Electronic warfare & decoys | NOLQ-3E(Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser |
Armament |
|
Aircraft carried | 1 × SH-60L helicopter |
JS Kumano (FFM-2) is the second ship of the 30DX frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She was named after Kumano River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Kumano and Cold War destroyer escort Kumano.[1]
In 2015 the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new “compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities” as well as a new radar system for the destroyer.[2] In the same year Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they have been developing with their own funds.[3][4]
The 30DX design has an overall length of 130 m, breadth of 16 m, a standard displacement of 3900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5500 tons, and a maximum speed of over 30 knots.[5] Weapons include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon station above the bridge, 16 Mk 41 VLS at the bow, 8 anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60Lhelicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. It can also deploy and recover UUV, USV, and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helideck.[6] It is also expected to use a naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM.[7]
Kumano was laid down on 30 October 2019 at Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding, Tamano and launched on 19 November 2020. She will be expected to be commissioned in March 2022.[8][9]
While fitting out, her enclosed antenna was installed on 16 February 2021.[10]