JS Kumano

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Kumano.

File:JS Kumano（FFM-2）entering Kinuura Port.jpg JS Kumano in 2024
History
Japan
Name	Kumano (くまの)
Namesake	Kumano
Ordered	2018
Builder	Mitsui, Tamano
Laid down	30 October 2019
Launched	19 November 2020
Commissioned	22 March 2022
Identification	Pennant number: FFM-2
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class & type	Mogami-class frigate
Displacement	3,900 tons standard 5,500 tons full load
Length	130 m (426 ft 6 in)
Beam	16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	CODAG 1 × Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine 2 × MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engine
Speed	over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing craft carried	2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew	90
Sensors & processing systems	OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar) OAX-3(EO/IR) OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS) OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar) OYQ-1 (Combat management system) OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare & decoys	NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament	1 × 5 in (127 mm) Mk-45 Mod 4 naval gun 2 × missile canisters for a total of 8 Type 17 anti-ship missiles 1 × SeaRAM Type 12 torpedoes Simplified mine laying equipment 2 × Mk-41 VLS (16 cells total) Naval version of Type 03 Chū-SAM 2 × Remote weapon station
Aircraft carried	1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilities	Single hangar

JS Kumano (FFM-2) is the second ship of the Mogami-class frigates 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

Main article: Mogami-class frigate

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 130 metres (426 ft 6 in), breadth of 16 metres (52 ft 6 in), a standard displacement of 3,900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, and a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph). 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.

She began sea trials on 24 August 2021 with likely missions of island defense, homeland patrol, and international tours.

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.

Gallery

• JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
  JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
• JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
  JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
• JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
  JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020.
• JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020
  JS Kumano at Mitsui shipyard, Tamano on 19 November 2020
• JS Kumano at Langkawi for LIMA 2023
  JS Kumano at Langkawi for LIMA 2023
• JS Kumano and USS Patriot, 18 November 2023.
  JS Kumano and USS Patriot, 18 November 2023.