The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected the Japan Marine Corps (JMU) to supply up to 12 next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The Ministry of Defence announced on June 30 that JMU’s proposal, centered on the 95m-long design, received the most points in a competitive assessment, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) coming in second. The result meant that JMU was selected as the main contractor for the OPV project, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was appointed as the subcontractor.
Mitsui E&S also participated in the evaluation process with its 100m-long, 2,000-ton design, which features a 360° panoramic bridge capable of carrying drones and surface vehicles.
Charts released by the Department of Defense Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) show that the selected OPV design will displace approximately 1,920 tons and will be powered by a combined diesel-electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system with a maximum speed in excess of 20 knots.
The OPV will be equipped with a 30mm gun mounted on the foredeck for self-defense, while the crane will be mounted on the stern section near the hangar and multipurpose aft deck. A launch and recovery system (LARS) will also be integrated into its stern.
The Defense Department said contract negotiations to build the OPV should be completed by 2023. It added that the cost of each vessel is estimated to be around 9 billion yen ($66 million).
The OPV plan calls for the construction of 12 highly automated vessels that can be rapidly configured to perform a variety of missions, enabling the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to conduct “enhanced steady-state intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in the waters surrounding Japan.”
ATLA earlier disclosed in July 2021 that the OPV will require fewer people to operate through features such as autonomous navigation systems and advanced ISR equipment. The ships will also feature a multipurpose hangar and deck space that allows modular payload and container mission modules.
by Jr Ng
