The Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel or MPPV will be the largest vessel ever operated by the JCG
The MPPV is an exceptionally large patrol vessel, measuring 199 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 30,000 tons. It can accommodate up to 1,000 people inside and has space for numerous vehicles. There will be a large flight deck, aft of the ship, capable of operating two helicopters simultaneously, along with a hangar that can house an additional three helicopters.
The vessel is also expected to carry a large number of small boats, such as Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), with a crane installed at the bow for their loading and unloading. The total construction cost is estimated at around ¥68 billion (approximately USD 480 million).
The JCG plans to utilize this MPPV in various situations. First, it will play a role in disaster response during large-scale emergencies. For instance, in the event of a massive earthquake or tsunami that causes significant damage to coastal areas, the MPPV will serve as an offshore base for disaster relief. It is expected to handle the transportation of supplies and personnel by helicopter and boat, as well as accommodate evacuees and function as a temporary hospital.
Additionally, during large-scale events such as G7 summits, the Olympics, or World Expos, the MPPV will function as an offshore security base. Moreover, with a potential Taiwan contingency in mind, the vessel would be tasked with evacuating residents from Japan’s southwestern islands and other island regions in the event of a Chinese military invasion.
The Japanese government is currently seriously considering how to safely evacuate its citizens in the event of a military conflict with China. While the Self-Defense Forces are expected to assist with transportation, they would need to focus on combat operations during such a crisis, leaving little capacity for evacuation efforts. Therefore, the JCG and other agencies are planning to handle civilian evacuations, with the MPPV playing a central role in these operations.
To this end, the MPPV is expected to resemble a large transport ship or ferry. While will be classified as a patrol vessel, the JCG doesn’t plan to fit weapon systems aboard the vessel. Japan is scheduled to begin construction of the MMPV in the fiscal year 2025, with an expected commissioning in the fiscal year 2029. The specific deployment location has not yet been determined.
