Japan Marine United (JMU) showed for the first time conceptual designs for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s future destroyers – DDGX and DDX – during the DSEI Japan defense exhibition held last month.
This 2025 edition of DSEI Japan was an opportunity for the Japanese naval architect and builder to underline its capacity to produce ships of all sizes at high production rates. For the moment, 80% of the yard’s activities are concentrated on the civil sector, which includes the Coast Guard, with the remainder divided between construction and MRO for the JMSDF and units of the US Navy’s 7th fleet based in Japan. JMU is therefore keen to build on its already massive presence in the naval landscape. In recent years, the shipyard has launched Maya-class vessels, Awaji-class minesweepers and, more recently, has been awarded a contract to build one of two ASEVs in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, as well as OPVs.
This is the first time that the JMU yard has unveiled scale models of future destroyer concepts for the JMSDF – one for the DDGX program to replace the Kongō-class, another for the DDX program to replace the Murasame-class – although as of now, no tender has been issued by the Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and no contract has been notified.
As for the DDX program, the first design phase was launched last year at FY24 and will be based on feedback from the Asahi/25DD class destroyers and the Mogami/30FFM frigates. Naval News reported during Combined Naval Event 2024 on ATLA’s initial requirements for their future capabilities.
In any case, it is interesting to observe the technologies shown on the models. Although pure concepts at this stage, they give an idea of the programs that should be operational at the same time as the entry into service of these future ships and their possible integration. One of the models shows the presence of a railgun, a technology still in the testing phase but well under development and widely pushed by ATLA to one day integrate future JMSDF platforms. Also on display are direct energy weapons, in other words, laser systems currently under development by Kawasaki. Naval News reported on the naval version, which were also introduced at DSEI Japan. JMU also shows the possible reuse of the UNICORN communication mast from the Mogami-class, which would be a radical departure from the imposing masts fitted to ships currently in service.
Given that the program and its details have not yet been officially released to potential industrial candidates for DDGX and DDX, JMU is cautious about the models on display at the show, with as yet few details. For example, a large space on the upper deck remains empty. “As requirements have not been released by the Japanese MoD, the technologies and the design shown here is purely conceptual. Empty spaces you see here could accommodate any type of system, either weapons, containers or other solutions, it is still to be determined. We will know more when ATLA will release official requirements.” JMU representative told Naval News.
A third, smaller model shows a possible “stealthier” design with hull lines that could reduce the radar cross section and ASW capabilities expected of future destroyers. Although as yet unconfirmed, it is highly likely that the future DDGX and DDX will feature at least a hull-mounted sonar.
Check out our interview with JMU at DSEI Japan 2025:
