Japan Commissions JS Shiranui Asahi-class Destroyer

Japan's second Asahi-class destroyer, JS Shiranui, was inducted into Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) service in a ceremony held at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki Shipyard on Wednesday.

The 5,100-ton general-purpose escort destroyers were previously designated as 25DD. They are designed on the basis of Akizuki-class anti-air warfare destroyers but with a focus on anti-submarine, Naval Today reported Monday.

The lead ship in the class was commissioned in March last year.

Asahi-class guided missile destroyers consist of a COGLAG, a combined gas turbine engine and electric propulsion system. They measure 151 meters in length and reach speeds of 30 knots, according to the Japan defense ministry.

Armament includes Mark 41 vertical launch systems for self-protection, 62-caliber naval guns, close-in weapon systems and two Mark 32 surface vessel torpedo tubes.

The destroyers will have a complement of around 230 and embark one Mitsubishi-built SH-60J/K are anti-submarine patrol helicopter.

The destroyers are the first among JMSDF ships to deploy with periscope detection radars in addition to being equipped with new towed array sonars.