![]() JS Kumano in 2024
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History | |
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Name |
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Namesake | Kumano |
Ordered | 2018 |
Builder | Mitsui, Tamano |
Laid down | 30 October 2019 |
Launched | 19 November 2020 |
Commissioned | 22 March 2022 |
Identification | Pennant number: FFM-2 |
Status | Active |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | Mogami-class frigate |
Displacement |
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Length | 130 m (426 ft 6 in) |
Beam | 16 m (52 ft 6 in) |
Propulsion |
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Speed | over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) |
Boats & landing craft carried | 2 × 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 |
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Aircraft carried | 1 × SH-60L helicopter |
Aviation facilities | Single hangar |
JS Kumano (FFM-2) is the second ship of the Mogami-class 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 (56 km/h). [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-60L helicopter, torpedoes and decoy launchers. It can also deploy and recover unmanned underwater vessels, unmanned surface vessels 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]
She began sea trials August 24, 2021 [11] with likely missions of island defense, homeland patrol, and international tours. [12] [13]
Kumano was commissioned on 22 March 2022 and deployed to Yokosuka Naval Base. [14]
When JS Kumano was completed, it was not equipped with VLS, but the budget for VLS will be appropriated later and VLS will be installed. [15]