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Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program consists of a planned 12 OPV-type patrol vessels to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
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Background and operational concept
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On 30 June 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced the construction of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at a cost of ¥ 9 billion (US$66 million) per ship. Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) is the prime contractor for this program with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) chosen to be the subcontractor. Both JMU and MHI as well as Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding had submitted preliminary designs for the proposed next-generation OPVs.[2][3]
According to a video release in July 2021 by the Ministry of Defense's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the purpose of this OPV program is to provide enhanced maritime security, particularly around the southwestern Ryukyu Islands and the East China Sea, including the disputed territories over the Senkaku Islands (See map).[2][3]
The OPV will replace the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts and Hayabusa-class patrol boats currently deployed in patrol missions and as escorts for warships belonging to other navies in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Pacific Ocean. The OPV will be equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, since its armament is limited and will be primarily used in patrol sorties.[4][5][6]
Four ships were initially scheduled to be introduced by fiscal year 2024, followed by 12 within the next five years.[4] The first four OPVs are part of the 2023 Defense budget of the Japanese MOD.[5]
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Design
These vessels are highly automated and configurable to meet a variety of missions to provide sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in maritime patrol surrounding Japan. Japan Marine United was contracted to build all 12 vessels for the JMSDF, starting from 1 April 2023. The vessels each displace 1,920 long tons (1,950 t) while measuring about 95 m (311 ft 8 in) in length and 12 m (39 ft 4 in) in width.[2][3] The OPV will be fitted with the UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) NORA-50 integration mast and Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), the former of which has tactical data antennas contained in its bar-shaped dome. ATLA stated that UNICORN, which the Mogami-class frigates under procurement at the time is also being equipped with, has a decreased radar cross section (RCS) due to its stealthy outline.[4]
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Equipment
Ship & power systems
Each OPV features a CODLAD propulsion system, wherein a diesel engine and an electric motor power a single propeller, providing a maximum speed in excess of 20 kn (23 mph; 37 km/h). The conception artwork also depicts a bow thruster system.[2][3] Each OPV will be equipped with a 30-mm naval gun mounted on the foredeck for self-defense. The aft section of the vessel is equipped with a crane near the multi-purpose hangar and rear deck for helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. The stern is also fitted with a launch and recovery system.[2][3]
Mission modules
The OPVs have ISO containerization capabilities for mission modules that can be installed on board.[2][3] Minesweeping-related equipment, such as the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) and Expendable Mine Disposal (EMD), were part of the preliminary design work by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding and displayed at the 2019 MAST Asia defense trade-show, but no decision was made on the final mine counter-measures (MCM) suite.[4]
Procurement
According to its published budget overview, for Fiscal Year 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Defense allocated 35.7 billion yen ($230 million USD) for the first four ships in the next-generation OPV program.[7] The keels for the first four vessels were laid down at Japan Marine United's Yokohama shipyard, with the first two being scheduled to be launched in November 2025, while the other two will follow suit in March 2026. All four vessels are planned to be commissioned in March 2027.[1]
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Ships in the class
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Naming conventions
The proposed JMSDF next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) have not been officially named. Ships of the JMSDF are known as Japan Ships (自衛艦; Ji'ei-Kan) and are classified according to the warship type. Patrol boats (PG) are named for birds, grass or one that added a number to the type.[original research?] In 2025, journalist Kosuke Takahashi confirmed that the next-generation offshore patrol vessels will have a new type designation OPV.[1]
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See also
References
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External links
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