Japan launches second Maya-class destroyer

The future JS Haguro, Japan’s second Maya-class guided missile destroyer, was officially named and launched at a ceremony at the Yokohama shipyard of Japan Marine United (JMU) on Wednesday, July 17.

Like sister ship JS Maya, Haguro is an improved variant of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Atago-class destroyers. It will have an LOA of 170 metres, a beam of 21 metres, a draught of 6.2 metres, accommodations for 300 crew and other personnel, and a combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion system that will deliver a maximum speed of 30 knots.

The destroyer will also be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis combat system and a missile defence system capable of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles.

Completion and delivery of Haguro are expected in March 2020.