Japanese frigate JS Yahagi brings its quality to Darwin
Beyond its cutting-edge weapon systems, Japanese warship JS Yahagi has niche features which makes it one of the world’s most enviable frigates. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Northern Territory
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Beyond its cutting-edge weapon systems, Japanese warship JS Yahagi has niche features which makes it one of the world’s most enviable frigates.
Currently perched at Kuru Wharf, the slick vessel was commissioned just 12 months ago and boasts some of the latest maritime technology floating at sea.
This week, the NT News were given inside access to the ship.
Visible from ashore, a SH-60K helicopter sits on the rear deck, with a five-inch gun planted on the bow and a vertical launch system also built into the ship.
Surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile weapon systems are available and, true to its wider fleet duties, the ship also possesses the latest in mine warfare capabilities.
The benefits continue.
Only 90 souls are needed to man the ship - almost half than most modern-day frigates.
Weighing approximately 400 tonnes less than its predecessor, the ship can reach speeds above 30 knots.
However, if you ask commanding officer Commander Tamura Masayoshi what the ship’s greatest strength is, it’s none of the above.
“Stealth is our main (strength),” he said.
“We have surfaces that make it difficult for our enemy to detect us.”
Adding to the Yohagi’s covert nature, the ship can be commanded from the lower decks in a designated ‘command centre’, allowing personnel to vacate ‘the bridge’ and stay below.
Surrounded by a 360-degree screen, the command centre offers operators all the information and awareness required to make timely decisions in the most extreme situations.
The NT News was not permitted to take photographs in the command centre.
For the next few months, the JS Yohagi will put to use its command centre as part of its 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment.
“We are sending destroyers and frigates all around the Pacific region in order to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Commander Tamura said.
“We will coordinate exercises with our friendly nations (too).”
For some defence minds, the Mogami-Class frigate is a top pick to replace Australia’s ageing Anzac-Class.
In February, Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Eric Lies called on the government to buy the Japanese design.
One of the Mogami-Class benefits, Lies argued, was its small manning requirements.
“The (ADF) has been suffering from a recruitment and retention shortfall, and the Royal Australian Navy has been especially troubled in finding and keeping people,” Lies said.
“Minimising crew sizes is therefore more important than ever as the RAN builds up to an expanded fleet of surface combatants and nuclear-powered submarines.”
Originally published as Japanese frigate JS Yahagi brings its quality to Darwin
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