Japan's
Coast Guard (JCG) on Thursday unveiled a new, next-generation patrol
ship that will be deployed in anti-piracy, counter-terrorism and regular
domestic duties. PLH-32 is a more modern, newer version of PLH 31 Shikishima.
With a length of 150m (492 ft) and 9,300 tons full load displacement
(the size of a destroyer), these are the largest "Offshore Patrol
Vessels" in the world. |
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They may accomodate two medium size helicopters.
They are fitted with OPS-14 2D air search radar (the Japanese version
of the American AN/SPS-49) and a couple of Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannons,
a M61 Vulcan cannon as a part of a remote firing system, and some 40mm
cannons.
The ships have a long-range cruising capacity, making it a valuable
asset for the Coast Guard. It can make voyages from Japan to Europe,
for example, without the need to refuel. As PLH-32 is much newer, it
will probably be named a different class.
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