JMSDF launches 30DX-class frigate “Kumano”

The naming and launching ceremony for the frigate “KUMANO” was held at Tamano Works, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd, JMSDF announced. The ship is planned to be commissioned in 2022.

Kumano is the 2nd ship of the class though first one has not been launched yet. Totally 22 30DX frigate will be built until 2032. In accordance with an agreement signed this month between Japan and Indonesia, Japan will export 4 destroyers to Indonesia, and 4 30DX frigates will be built in Indonesian shipyards. Rest of the package will be built in Japan.

The 30DX (also known as 30FF, 30FFM, or 30DEX) is a Japanese multi-mission frigate in development for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The original design to be used was the 30FF model. The ship’s design looks similar to the Freedom-class littoral combat ship with an integrated mast. Its armament included a 5″/54 caliber Mark 45 gun, two Remote weapon stations between the bridge and main gun, a SeaRAM above the helicopter hangar, and a helicopter. The length of the vessel is 120 m, with a max beam of 18 m, and displacement of about 3000 metric tons. It would be able to reach 40 knots and accommodate a crew of about 100.

The vessel 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. 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 UUV, USV, and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helideck. It is also expected to use a naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM.

The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 Gas Turbine.

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