On December 18, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted the naming and launching ceremony for the new minesweeper JS Kerama at Japan Marine United’s (JMU) facility in Tsurumi, Yokohama district.
The vessel is the fifth example of the Awaji class to enter the final phase of construction and is scheduled to enter the fleet in fiscal year 2026.
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JS Kerama has a length of 67 metres, a width of 11 metres, a draft of 5.2 meters and a standard displacement of around 690 tonnes. The crew consists of around 50 military personnel. The propulsion system uses two axles with diesel engines, which enables a maximum speed of approximately 14 knots, corresponding to 26 km/h.
In terms of armament and mission systems, the vessel is equipped with a remote-controlled 20mm artillery emplacement, in addition to a full suite of mine warfare equipment. This includes magnetic and acoustic sweep systems, developed to detect and neutralize various types of sea mines.
Built as the fifth vessel of the Awaji class, Kerama bears a name that has not been used either in the former Imperial Japanese Navy or in the current Maritime Self-Defense Force. The name refers to the Kerama Islands, which lie southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
The minesweepers’ main task is to ensure the safety of the sea lanes through the neutralization of sea mines, an element which is considered critical for coastal defense and free navigation. The Awaji-class vessels are distinguished by the use of a fibre-reinforced composite (FRP) hull, which significantly reduces the magnetic signature. This characteristic makes the class one of the largest series of composite hull vessels in active service in the world.
After completion of final works and completion of sea trials, JS Kerama is expected to be officially commissioned into the Japanese Navy during fiscal year 2026, which will strengthen Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force’s mine countermeasures capabilities.
Source and images: Japan Marine United (JMU) | Instagram @jmsdf_pr. This content has been prepared with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors.
