JS Kumano (FFM-2) is the second ship of the s of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She was named after Kumano River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Kumano and Cold War destroyer escort Kumano.
Development and design
In 2015, the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new "compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities" as well as a new radar system for the destroyer. In the same year Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they have been developing with their own funds.
The 30DX design has an overall length of , breadth of , a standard displacement of 3,900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, and a maximum speed of over . Weapons include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations above the bridge, 16 Mk 41 VLS at the bow, eight anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes and decoy launchers. It can also deploy and recover unmanned underwater vessels, unmanned surface vessels and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helideck. It is also expected to use a naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM.
Construction and career Kumano was laid down on 30 October 2019 at Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding, Tamano and launched on 19 November 2020. She will be expected to be commissioned in March 2022.
While fitting out, her enclosed antenna was installed on 16 February 2021.https://www.facebook.com/groups/1611065292284356/permalink/3915748871815975/
She began sea trials on 24 August 2021Xavier Vavasseur. (25 August 2021). "Japan’s New 30FFM Frigate For JMSDF ‘Kumano’ 「くまの」Starts Sea Trials". NavalNews website Retrieved 12 February 2022. with likely missions of island defense, homeland patrol, and international tours.Xavier Vavasseur and Yoshihiro Inaba. (21 September 2020). "30FFM: Japan’s Next Generation Frigate Taking Shape At Two Shipyards". NavalNews website Retrieved 10 February 2022.Xavier Vavasseur. (11 October 2021). "Japan’s First FFM Frigate For JMSDF ‘Mogami ’ 「もがみ」Started Sea Trials". NavalNews website Retrieved 10 February 2022.
Kumano was commissioned on 22 March 2022 and deployed to Yokosuka Naval Base.
When JS Kumano was completed, it was not equipped with VLS, but the budget for VLS will be appropriated later and VLS will be installed.
In March 2026, the ship participated in the Royal Australian Navy's Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour.Fleet review ships and vantage points Royal Australian Navy
Gallery
References