Japanese Navy launches missile destroyer

The Japan Times has reported that Japan Marine United has launched a Maya-class Aegis destroyer being built for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.

The warship cost ¥164.8 billion (US$1.484 billion), weighs 8,200 tonnes and is 169.9 metres long.

Japan’s strengthening of its navy fleet has been attributed to North Korea test firing ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan in 2017.

The vessel is one of two ordered by the Japanese Government with missile defence capabilities.

The vessel will be delivered in March 2020.