Japan Launches “Haguro” Guided Missile Destroyer

Japanese shipbuilder Japan Marine United (JMU) Corporation has launched the second Maya-class guided missile destroyer, christened “Haguro” at its facility in Yokohama on July 17.

The warship is the second of the two improved Atago-class destroyers on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The Aegis-equipped vessel is slated to go into service around March 2021.

The lead ship of the class “Maya,” launched in July 2018 is expected to enter service in March 2020.

The Haguro is a 8,200-ton vessel measuring 170 meters in length and 21 meters at its widest point. It is equipped with the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system capable of ascertaining the positions of missiles and airplanes and sharing them with Tokyo’s allies.

The destroyers, each of which has a crew of about 300, are also equipped with multifunction towed array (MFTA) sonar systems and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

Powered by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines in a combined gas turbine-electric and gas turbine (COGLAG) configuration the ships can reach a top speed of 30 knots.