Novo OPV Japonês
Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)
Screenshot from ATLA Youtube channel ‘TAKUMI, Craftsmen for Defense Equipment’ video.
The OPV will take over the patrol missions of the Abukuma-class destroyer and Hayabusa-class guided-missile patrol boats currently operated by JMSDF, including monitoring of other countries’ military vessels in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. While the OPV’s primary mission is patrol, and its armament is very limited, it will be very well equipped for ISR.Four ships are scheduled to be introduced by FY2024, and 12 by FY2029.
According to the ATLA video, OPV has the following four features:
1. Automation
・Few crew operation (according to the MOD, the size of the crew is about 30)
・Future autonomous navigation
2. Adaptability
・Items for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) operations
・Medium and smaller caliber gun (The CG model shown in the video is equipped with a 76mm gun)
・Multipurpose hunger
3. Modularity
・Deck space for modular payloads
・ISO containerization for mission module
4. Sustainability
・Easy maintenance
・Low fuel consumption
・Maintenance support package
Among these features, crew size reduction is very important for JMSDF, which is suffering from manpower shortage. In addition, the aft deck can carry multiple containers, making it useful for a wide range of missions, from transporting supplies in peacetime to providing humanitarian aid in times of disaster. These functions can be used to address Japan’s most pressing issues, such as remote island defense and disaster relief. On the other hand, multi-purpose hangers and modularization of equipment have the advantage of being able to change the ship’s equipment to suit different missions, as well as being able to propose a form that meets the requirements of other countries when exporting to them.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/video-japans-latest-and-future-naval-defense-equipment/