J.M.S.D.F. AEGIS ESCORT SHIP ATAGO

The Atago (DDG-177) is a modern Japanese missile destroyer, the keel of which was laid in 2004, launched in August 2005, and commissioned in 2007. The total length of the ship is 170 meters and a width of 21 meters. Full displacement probably slightly exceeds 10,000 tons, and the maximum speed is around 30-31 knots. The destroyer is armed with: 2 VLS Mk. 41 - one 32-guide and one 64-guide, two Type 90 (SSM-1B) rocket launchers, a single 127mm Mark 45 cannon or two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx kits. The ship also uses one Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopter. The Atago (DDG-177) is the first of the two destroyers that belong to the class with the same name - the Atago - to date. These types of units were designed and built as an extension of the Congo-class in order to complement them in the line. Compared to their predecessors, they are slightly longer and have a slightly higher displacement. However, they have reinforced rocket armament, they also have a hangar for an on-board helicopter. The 127 mm gun was also modernized, as was the electronic equipment, which is based on the modernized version of the AEGIS system, which works with the AN / SPY-1D (V) radar. Generally, units of this class have very similar combat capabilities to the American destroyers of the Arleigh Burke Flight IIA class. The Atago (DDG-177) was built at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki. One of the most important incidents in which he was involved so far was the collision with a civilian fishing boat in February 2008, which resulted in the disappearance of two fishermen.