The first is number two

Even though it was the first unit in the series of six ordered and up to 22 required multi-purpose stealth frigates (30FFM) to be launched at the Mitsui shipyard in Tamano in mid-November, the "Kumano" is only the second of its class. The type ship, which was due to be launched at the beginning of November and whose name has not yet been announced, is still on the shelf at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki due to problems with the gas turbine train. Combined MAN diesel and Rolls-Royce gas turbine propulsion should at least accelerate these frigates to 30 knots. The compact design and automated technology have made it possible to reduce costs and crew numbers - the 132 metre long 4000 tonne ship can manage with a crew of 90. That's about half of a normal frigate and a third of the Aegis destroyer. And that fits perfectly into Japan's demographic scenario, which is causing the armed forces considerable recruitment problems. But this is already prompting critics to criticise the insufficient offensive power of these units. When the first ships of the 30FFM class enter service in 15 months, they will be able to measure themselves against the reality of operations against the Chinese fishing fleets advancing into the fish-rich waters south-west of Japan.

Text: ajs; Photo: Mitsui