The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force held a naming and launching ceremony for the new minesweeper JS Kerama on December 18 at the Japan Marine United (JMU) compound in the Tsurumi district of Yokohama.
The vessel is the fifth Awaji-class unit to enter the final phase of construction, and is scheduled to enter service in fiscal year 2026.
JS Kerama has a length of 67 meters, a beam of 11 meters, a draft of 5.2 meters and a standard displacement of approximately 690 tons. The crew consists of approximately 50 people. The propulsion system uses two shafts with diesel engines, allowing a maximum speed of approximately 14 knots, or about 26 km/h.
In terms of weaponry and mission systems, the vessel is equipped with one remote-controlled 20mm gun emplacement and a full complement of mine warfare assets. These include magnetic and acoustic systems for locating and neutralizing various types of naval mines.
Built as the fifth ship of the Awaji class, Kerama received a name that had not yet been used by either the former Imperial Japanese Navy or the current Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The name refers to the Kerama Archipelago, located southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
The main task of minesweepers is to ensure the security of sea lanes through the neutralization of sea mines, which is considered a key element of coastal defense and freedom of navigation. Awaji-class ships excel in the use of a fiber-reinforced composite (FRP) hull that significantly reduces the magnetic footprint. This feature makes the class one of the largest series of composite hull vessels in active service in the world.
After completion of final work and sea trials, JS Kerama is expected to be officially commissioned into Japan’s fleet during fiscal year 2026, further enhancing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s anti-submarine and anti-mine countermeasures capabilities.
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Source and images: Japan Marine United (JMU) | Instagram @jmsdf_pr. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
