Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: Planning a new destroyer equipped with a railgun
・Announcement of the concept of the 13DDX future destroyer
・To be equipped with a railgun and a high-power laser
Summary from Jane’s article.
Public relations officer of the Ministry of Defense:
A public relations officer of the Ministry of Defense answered Jane’s questions.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force:
This concept has been named the 13DDX-type future destroyer.
1. Consideration of the new destroyer concept has already begun in 2023
2. The Ministry of Defense’s Defense Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) is in charge of development
ATLA presentation materials:
ATLA explains the new destroyer in a presentation material.
1. The 13DDX type is equipped with a railgun and a high-power laser
2. It is also equipped with a directed energy weapon (DEW) system
3. It is also equipped with a new multi-function radar, capable of detecting high-speed targets.
It can be equipped with modules, such as automatic damage control and navigation systems.
According to a Ministry of Defense spokesperson, they could not reveal any more.
Details of the concept, such as the expected tonnage and overall length of the vessel, are still under consideration.
Inheriting the characteristics of Japanese frigates:
The 13DDX will inherit some features from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Asahi-class destroyers and Mogami-class frigates.
Successful electromagnetic railgun launch:
Japan has successfully test-fired an electromagnetic railgun.
In October 2023, it announced that it had conducted a shipboard electromagnetic railgun launch test.
The launch took place on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s only Asuka-class research ship, the Asuka.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD): Plans for new 13DDX destroyer
Summary from Naval News article.
Plans for new 13DDX air defense destroyer:
A senior official from the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) spoke at a recent meeting.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense will begin concrete development plans for the 13DDX starting in FY2024.
1. First, they will begin design work on a new high-performance air defense destroyer.
2. They aim to commission the new 13DDX in the early 2030s.
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA):
Vice Admiral Shinichi Imayoshi is the Director General for Naval Systems.
In late May, he spoke at the UK’s Combined Naval Event 24 (CNE 24) conference.
1. This new type of ship will make advanced use of the ‘design standards of active destroyers and frigates’.
2. Integrate diverse concepts and functions to provide multi-layered air defense capabilities.
13DDX Advanced Destroyer Concept:
Utilizes the design know-how of the Asahi/25DD class destroyers and Mogami/30FFM class frigates.
These two types of ships will enter service in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
13DDX Destroyer’s “New Way of Fighting”:
Significant global changes have occurred in Japan’s external strategic environment.
The 13DDX destroyer is essential to this “new way of fighting.”
Ministry of Defense and Maritime Self-Defense Force:
This strategic environment is pointed out from two operational perspectives.
First, it points out that China, North Korea, and Russia are ‘rapidly developing a wide range of military capabilities.’
1. Missile technology, including hypersonic systems,
2. Enhanced A2/AD capabilities, including electronic warfare (EW), etc.
Second, it explains that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘revealed new operational needs.’
1. Large-scale use of ballistic and cruise missiles,
2. Asymmetric attacks based on electronic warfare and cyber warfare,
3. Hybrid warfare operations, including information space, and use of unmanned systems, etc.
New capabilities provided by the new destroyer:
The new destroyer must meet two requirements in terms of air defense and information warfare (including electronic warfare).
1. Utilize layered air defense capabilities to prevent enemy intrusions into anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) range
2. Ensure connectivity in distributed maritime operations (DMO) and counter enemy concentration and movement
Realize advanced air defense capabilities with air defense ships:
It is essential to ‘realize advanced air defense capabilities as an air defense ship’.
1. Stand-off air defense capabilities with new surface-to-air missiles (NSAM)
2. Integrated air defense missile (IAMD) capabilities with fast maneuvering target detection radar and fire control network
Utilize know-how of the latest JMSDF ships:
Vice Commander Imayoshi introduced the know-how of the latest ships.
1. Functions and capabilities for high-end combat provided by 25DD,
2. Compact size and reduced signature for 30FFM frigate
Enhance automation with 06FFM program:
Japan will enhance labor saving and automation for operations in conflict areas under the 06FFM program.
A new frigate with a reduced signature design is being developed.