JS Mikuma

JS Mikuma (FFM-4) is the fourth ship of the Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).[1] She was named after the Mikuma River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Mikuma and Cold War destroyer escort Mikuma.

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Mikuma.
JS Mikuma
History
Japan
Name
  • Mikuma
  • (みくま)
NamesakeMikuma
Ordered2020
BuilderMitsubishi, Nagasaki
Laid down15 July 2020
Launched10 December 2021
Commissioned7 March 2023
IdentificationPennant number: FFM-4
StatusActive
General characteristics
Class and typeMogami-class frigate
Displacement
  • 3,900 tons standard
  • 5,500 tons full load
Length133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Propulsion
Speedover 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew90
Sensors and
processing systems
  • OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar)
  • OAX-3(EO/IR)
  • OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS)
  • OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar)
  • OYQ-1 (Combat management system)
  • OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare
& decoys		NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilitiesSingle hangar

Development and design
Main article: Mogami-class frigate

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 133 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]

Construction and career

Mikuma was laid down on 15 July 2020 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki and launched on 10 December 2021.[8][9] She was commissioned in 7 March 2023.[10]

References
  1. Kosuke Takahashi (10 December 2021). "Japan's MHI Launches Fourth Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate for JMSDF". The Diplomat. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  2. "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2015 Budget" (PDF). Japan Ministry of Defense. January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  3. "Japan's ATLA Selected MHI & Mitsui to build 30DX Surface Combatant for JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  4. "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveiled 30FF or DEX Next Generation Vessel Concept for the JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  5. DefenseWebTV (12 April 2018). "Sea-Air-Space 2018 Day 3 – JMSDF 30DX – Zodiac H-1300 – MARTAC Mantas – HII LX(R) – Airbus VSR700". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  6. "SAS 2018: Japan's MHI Showcasing 30DX Multi-Mission Frigate Design". Navy Recognition. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  7. Kosuke Takahashi (2 November 2018). "MHI to build two new multirole frigates for JMSDF". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  8. "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate JS Mikuma". Navy Recognition. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  9. Editorial, Defense Brief (10 December 2021). "Japan launches fourth Mogami-class frigate Mikuma". Defense Brief. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  10. "令和元年度計画護衛艦の起工式の開催". Japan Ministry of Defense. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
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