Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has christened and launched the 24th Kunigami-class large patrol vessel for the Japan Coast Guard at its facility in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The milestone is part of a broader initiative in 2024 to integrate four additional platforms into the series, expanding Tokyo’s fleet to enhance littoral defense across various regions.
The ceremony for the new ship, named JS Wakasa (PL-96), marks the beginning of its outfitting phase, including work on its hull, propulsion systems, and electrical circuits.
The coast guard is scheduled to receive the vessel in fiscal 2027.
“Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to leverage its development and design capabilities in the marine sector to contribute to the advancement of society through the construction of vessels that enhance maritime security capabilities,” the company said.
The Kunigami System
Japan’s Kunigami patrol vessel measures 97 meters (318 feet) long and has a beam of 12 meters (39 feet).
It can carry up to 42 personnel, receive one rotary-wing aircraft, and deploy high-speed patrol and rescue boats.
The ship uses LiDAR sensors, a surface search and navigation suite, and a thermal imaging device, and is armed with a remote-controlled water cannon, a fire control system, and 20mm or 30mm machine guns.
Kunigami sails with twin diesel engines with a combined output of 18,000 horsepower, supporting a top speed of 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour) and a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers/4,603 miles).