The Aso-class patrol vessel is a class of PL type patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard. PL stands for Patrol vessel Large, and the class is named after Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan.

This class is one of the new patrol vessel classes to intercept spy boats of DPRK. These classes are called "高速高機能大型巡視船", High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large. Having Bofors 40 mm L/70 autocannon with fire-control system, this class is safely able to deal with heavily armed spy boats of DPRK which intrude into Japanese waters. The hull of this class is bulletproof in case of close-range firefights.

In the back of the bridge's side, this class has display devices that can be used to instruct other ships to stop even at nighttime. And on the bridge superstructure, this class is equipped with the LIDAR system to acquire targets with high accuracy. At the same time, this system enables them to perform search and rescue missions more safely.

Vietnamese variant In 2020 there was signed an export deal between Japan and Vietnam over 6 vessel for the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).. According to pieces of information shared by VCG, the class has a slightly bigger size than the original Aso-class, and it is also equipped with a helipad and the overall design is likely inspired from the successor designs such as the Kunigami-class patrol vessel.

The ship will have a maximum speed of 24 knots, considerably slower than the original Aso, however it is projected to have a better low-speed stability hence making it better for low-intensity patrol and search-and-rescue missions. The delivery for all 6 ships is expected to be completed by October 2026.

Ships in the class + Ships in the class Pennant numberShip name BuilderCommissionHomeport Japan Coast Guard (Aso-class)PL 41AsoMitsubishi Heavy Industries15 March 2005FukuokaPL 42DewaUniversal Shipbuilding Corporation12 April 2006AkitaPL 43HakusanKanazawa Vietnam Coast Guard CSB 8*** (1)CSB 8*** (2)CSB 8*** (3)CSB 8*** (4)CSB 8*** (5)CSB 8*** (6)

See also List of Japan Coast Guard vessels and aircraft - another class of High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large.

References

Further reading