The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force held the naming and launching ceremony of the new JS Kerama minesweeper on December 18 at the Japan Marine United (JMU) facility in Tsurumi, Yokohama district.
The ship is the fifth example of the Awaji class to enter the final construction phase and is scheduled to be incorporated into the fleet in fiscal year 2026.
The JS Kerama is 67 meters long, has a beam of 11 meters, a draft of 5.2 meters and a standard displacement of approximately 690 tons. The crew is made up of around 50 soldiers. The propulsion system uses two shafts with diesel engines, allowing a maximum speed of approximately 14 knots, equivalent to 26 km/h.
In terms of armament and mission systems, the ship has a remotely operated 20mm artillery repair, as well as a full suite of mine warfare equipment. These include magnetic and acoustic scanning systems, designed to detect and neutralize different types of sea mines.
Built as the fifth ship of the Awaji class, Kerama receives a name unprecedented in both the former Imperial Japanese Navy and the current Maritime Self-Defense Force. The name refers to the Kerama Islands, located southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
The main mission of minesweepers is to ensure the security of sea lanes through the neutralization of naval mines, an element considered critical to coastal defense and freedom of navigation. The Awaji class ships stand out for using a hull made of fiber-reinforced composite material (FRP), which significantly reduces the magnetic signature. This characteristic makes the class one of the largest series of ships with composite hulls in operation in the world.
After completion of final work and sea trials, the JS Kerama is expected to be officially incorporated into the Japanese fleet throughout fiscal year 2026, strengthening the mine countermeasure capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
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.
