Japan will build two $2.6bn Aegis ships with Type 12, Tomahawk missiles with a range of up to 1,800km, SM-6, SM-3 Block IIA interceptors and laser weapons

Japan wants to build two new warships. Initially, it was about missile defence vessels that will be able to provide protection against ballistic missiles. But it seems that the authorities have decided to adjust the plans a bit.

Here's What We Know

Now we are talking about two multipurpose ships with the Aegis system. Externally, they will resemble cruisers. If the project is realised, the ships of the new class will become the largest Japanese ships since the Second World War.

The defence budget request includes funding for two Aegis ships. The cost will be $2.6 billion.According to computer graphics, the ships will look like enlarged Maya-class destroyers. It is also important to note that the radar will be mounted much higher than in the US Arlegi Burke class destroyers (pictured below).

The future Japanese ship will be 190 metres long, 25 metres wide and have a standard displacement of 12,000 tonnes. For comparison, these parameters for the Maya-class destroyer are 170 metres, 22.2 metres and 8,200 tonnes respectively.

Now let's move on to armament. The future warships will receive SM-3 Block IIA and SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles to provide air and missile defence. Both interceptors are capable of destroying enemy ballistic missiles.

In terms of strike capabilities, the ships will receive the Type 12 domestic missile. It is still under development. Anti-ship missile will be able to hit targets at a distance of 1000 kilometres, but then the range will increase by one and a half times. The launchers will be installed in the central part of the ship. The existing Type 12 version has a modest range of 200 kilometres.

Japan's warships will also be equipped with laser weapons and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Land of the Rising Sun intends to buy hundreds of Block V missiles capable of changing the target in flight. The range is 1,800 kilometres. There will be 128-cell vertical launch systems for the SM-3 Block IIA, SM-6 and Tomahawk.

Source: @ryankakiuchan