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Abukuma-class destroyer escort Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abukuma-class_destroyer_escort

JS Ōyodo in Maizuru port
Class overview
Builders
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded byYūbari class
Succeeded byMogami class
Built1988–1991
In commission1989–present
Planned11
Completed6
Cancelled5
Active6
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer escort
Displacement
  • 2,000 tons standard
  • 2,550 tons full load
Length357 ft (109 m)
Beam44 ft (13 m)
Draft12 ft (3.7 m)
Propulsion
Speed27 knots (50 km/h)
Complement120
Sensors &
processing systems
Armament
Notes[1][2]

The Abukuma-class destroyer escort (or frigate) (Japanese: あぶくま型護衛艦, romanized: Abukumagatagoeikan) is the general-purpose destroyer escort of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It is the successor of the earlier Yūbari class.[3] They are being replaced by the Mogami-class frigates.[4]

History

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The first Abukama-class destroyer escort ship was first laid down in 1988 and completed in 1989.[5]

Design

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Electronic systems on Abukama-class destroyer escorts masts

This class was planned to replace the earlier Isuzu class and possess both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, as the successor of the Chikugo class, and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capability, as the successor of the Yūbari class, but there are many enhancements, as follows below.

Introduction of stealth technology

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This class is the first combatant ship of the JMSDF with stealth technology.[5] Their superstructure has traditional vertical surfaces, but their hulls are angled to reduce their radar cross section.

Electronic warfare

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This is the first destroyer escort class with the Naval Tactical Data System and OYQ-7 combat direction system. It is also the first destroyer escort class which has ECM capability - with the OLT-3 jammer.

Weapon systems

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The Short Range Air Defense system comprises the OPS-14 air-search radar, the OPS-28 surface search and target acquisition radar, one Otobreda 76 mm rapid-firing gun, controlled by the FCS-2 fire-control system, and a Phalanx CIWS. The OPS-14 is the Japanese equivalent of the American AN/SPS-49 radar, and the OPS-28 is the equivalent of the American TAS Mk.23. Phalanx CIWS has given the ships an improved self-defence capability against anti-ship missiles. Mk.31 RAM GMWS Point Defense Missile System was planned, but it is not installed yet.

The ASW system comprises an OQS-8 hull-sonar (Japanese equivalent of the American DE-1167), ASROC anti-submarine rocket from the Type 74 octuple launcher (Japanese license-built version of the American Mark 16 GMLS), and lightweight ASW torpedoes from two HOS-301 triple 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes. A tactical towed-array sonar system was planned, but it is not installed yet.

The JMSDF intended to build eleven ships of this class; ultimately, only six were built because Hatsuyuki-class destroyers started deploying in distinct forces. All six vessels in this class are named after Japanese rivers.

Export

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On July 6, 2025, the Philippine Navy reported the possible transfer of the Abukama-class destroyers to the Philippines.[6] It is expected that more or less 5 ships will be transfered if they are found to be in good condition,[7] subject to inspection once PN sailors visit Japan.[8] The transfer was based on an agreement during a bilateral meeting in Singapore in June 2025.[9] The Yomiuri Shimbun suggests that equipment previously installed in the Abukuma-class destroyers can be changed if needed to meet PN requirements.[10]

Ships in the class

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Pennant no. Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Home port Status
DE-229 Abukuma 17 March 1988 21 December 1988 12 December 1989 Kure Active
DE-230 Jintsū 14 April 1988 31 January 1989 28 February 1990 Sasebo Active
DE-231 Ōyodo 8 March 1989 19 December 1989 23 January 1991 Ominato Active
DE-232 Sendai 14 April 1989 26 January 1990 15 March 1991 Maizuru Active
DE-233 Chikuma 14 February 1991 25 January 1992 24 February 1993 Ominato Active
DE-234 Tone 8 February 1991 6 December 1991 8 February 1993 Kure Active

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Abukuma class Destroyer Escort - DE".
  2. ^ "護衛艦「あぶくま」型" (in Japanese). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces.
  3. ^ "Abukuma Class Destroyer Escorts". Naval Technology. Archived from the original on 2013-04-27. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  4. ^ Fish, Tim (2022-04-11). "Japan Countering China's Naval Build-up with Modern Fleet". USNI News. Archived from the original on 2022-04-13. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  5. ^ a b Hideki Kaihoshi (2021-11-20). "「あぶくま」型、汎用護衛艦並みの強力な装備を持つ沿岸用護衛艦" (in Japanese). Motor Fan.
  6. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (2025-07-06). "PH Navy confirms 'possible transfer' of Abukuma destroyer escorts". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on 2025-07-06. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  7. ^ Mangosing, Frances (2025-07-06). "Japan in talks to transfer warships, surveillance aircraft to the Philippines". Naval News. Archived from the original on 2025-07-07. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  8. ^ Rex Espiritu (2025-07-06). "Japan to transfer used anti-sub destroyers to PH". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on 2025-07-07. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  9. ^ "Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China, Yomiuri reports". Reuters. 2025-07-06. Archived from the original on 2025-07-06. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  10. ^ "フィリピンに護衛艦を輸出へ、中国への抑止力強化に初の事例…中古の「あぶくま型」全６隻" (in Japanese). The Yomiuri Shimbun. 2025-07-06.

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Abukuma class frigates.