49013 JMSDF DE 229/230 ABUKUMA JINTSU

Abukuma is a modern Japanese escort destroyer, also classified as a corvette. The keel for this unit was laid in March 1988, the launch took place in December 1988, and entry into service took place in 1989. The length of the ship is 109 meters and a width of 13 meters. Full displacement reaches approx. 2,550 tons and maximum speed - approx. 27-28 knots. The armament includes: a single 76 mm caliber cannon, a single ASROC missile launcher, 8 Harpoon missile launchers and a single 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS set. Abukuma is the leading unit of the escort destroyer class of the same name. The Abukuma-class ships were designed and built to complement and later replace the Yubari-class destroyers in the line. They differ significantly from their predecessors. First of all, they are slightly longer and wider and have a much greater displacement. They also have a more powerful gym in the CODOG configuration (similar to the Yubari class) which allows them to achieve higher top speed. Abukuma-class destroyers also have clearly stronger weapons - especially those dedicated to ZOP (anti-submarine combat) activities. They also received better electronic equipment - especially fire control and information exchange systems. At present all six Abukuma-class units are in active service.