
JMSDF to Put its Latest Aegis Destroyer JS Maya through its Paces
According to a document released by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Maya (DDG-179)「まや」 and her crew will undergo a “capability test”.

According to a document released by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Maya (DDG-179)「まや」 and her crew will undergo a “capability test”.

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) started developing a hypersonic guided missile able to attack both ships or ground targets. The missile, qualified as “game changer” by the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s agency, will use scramjet engine technology for propulsion.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to deploy a Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) in fiscal year 2026 as a new weapon to repel enemies that invade Japan’s remote islands, from a safe distance. This HVGP could even target large surface ships such as aircraft carriers.

Photos taken on February 10, 2020 show a P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) flying with four new air-to-ship missiles (ASM) which are currently under development.

On February 2, 2020, the destroyer Takanami (DD-110) departed from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka Naval Base for the Middle East.

Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding launched the new ocean surveillance ship “Aki” (AOS-5203) for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on January 15, 2020.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has announced in its FY2020 defense budget that it will invest 3.1 billion yen (approximately US $ 28.3 million) to refurbish the destroyer Izumo which is the largest vessel in Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

On December 20, 2019, the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) released its FY2020 Defense Budget. In this document, the MoD has unveiled a new Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) deployment and training concept called the “Continuous Projection Exercises Concept” or CPEC.

On December 12, 2019, Japan Marine United (JMU) held a launching ceremony for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) newest minesweeper Etajima (MSO-306) at its shipyard in Yokohama.