Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Jun- 2025 -

10 June

Mitsubishi Launches Latest Maritime Survey Vessel for Japanese Navy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has rolled out a new oceanographic research vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

4 June

Asia Pacific

211030 -N-HS181-2313 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 30, 2021) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101) transits the South China Sea, during operations with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, Oct. 30, 2021. Elements of JMSDF and CSG 1 are conducting bilateral operations in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N. Smith)

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Exhibits Design for Kongō, Murasame Destroyer Replacements

Japan Marine United (JMU) has showcased the early-stage design of next-generation destroyers for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at a convention in Chiba.

2 June

Asia Pacific

The JS Niyodo (FFM-7) Mogami-class frigate

Rojoef Manuel

Mitsubishi Delivers Seventh Mogami Frigate to Japanese Navy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has handed over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s seventh Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate.

Apr- 2025 -

17 April

Asia Pacific

JS Mogami (FFM-1) is seen sailing in open water. A small strip of land serves as the distant background of the image. The ship's hull is colored grey, and the water is a dull, grayish blue.

Christine Casimiro

Japan Begins Work on Patrol Vessels, First Two to Launch in Late 2025

The Japanese Ministry of Defense revealed it has begun building the first four of 12 planned offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

Mar- 2025 -

13 March

Sea

JS Nōmi (MSO-307) Awaji-class minesweeping vessel. Photo: Japan Marine United Corporation

Rojoef Manuel

Japanese Navy Commissions Final Awaji Minesweeper

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has commissioned its fourth and final Awaji-class minesweeping vessel in Tsurumi-ki, Yokohama.

11 March

Asia Pacific

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Taigei-class submarine, Raigei, commissioned by JMSDF

Christine Casimiro

Japan’s Fourth Taigei-Class Submarine Enters Service

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine.

Feb- 2025 -

19 February

Sea

Rojoef Manuel

Mitsubishi Debuts Final Japanese Navy Hibiki Survey Ship

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has christened and launched the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s final Hibiki-class auxiliary ocean surveillance vessel in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.

3 February

Arms