Japan inducts fourth Awaji-class MCMV

Japan's fourth Awaji-class MCMV, seen here at its commissioning ceremony. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its fourth Awaji-class mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) on 12 March, the service disclosed in a statement issued on the same day via its official social media channels.

The vessel was inducted in a ceremony held at the facilities of Japanese shipbuilder Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) in Yokohama. It has been christened JS Noumi and given the pennant number 307.

Noumi was launched in October 2023 and began sea trials in early 2024. Its three sister ships in the class were commissioned between March 2017 and March 2021.

The Awaji class is an MCMV programme that was first authorised by the Japanese government in the country's fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget.

It displaces 780 tonnes at full load, and has an overall length of 67 m, an overall beam of 11 m, and a hull draught of 5.2 m. Powered by two diesel engines, the class can attain a top speed of 14 kt.

The Awaji class features a hull that has been constructed from a composite fibre-reinforced plastic material to reduce the vessel's overall weight as well as its magnetic signature, which is essential during minesweeping operations.

In terms of weapons, the ship is armed with a remote-control weapon station-mounted JM61R-MS 20 mm gun system and its suite of mine countermeasure sensors include the Hitachi ZQS-4 variable depth sonar system.

With the commissioning o f Noumi, the JMSDF will now be anticipating the delivery of one more Awaji-class MCMV and the ship is expected to be launched by JMUC in 2025.

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