- Murasame class destroyer
The "Murasame" class destroyer is a third generation vessel in service with the
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), classified by some as a largefrigate . The "Murasame" was a successor to the sclass|Asagiri|destroyer|4, and like its predecessor, its main duties includedanti-submarine warfare and anti-shipping.The "Murasame" class was designed to replace the JMSDF's smaller destroyers that were reaching block obsolescence, ensuring the fleet could maintain its strength while increasing its firepower. It was originally envisaged that 14 would be built, but this was reduced to 9 when thesclass|Takanami|destroyer|4 (a modified variant of the "Murasame") was planned.
"Murasame" destroyers' weapon systems include the
Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile , anti-submarine rockets, the SSM 1Banti-ship missile , two Mark 15 20 mm PhalanxCIWS gun mounts, twotorpedo mounts in a triple tube configuration and a 76 mm 62cal rapid fire gun.Ships in the class
External links
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/murasame.htm GlobalSecurity.org; JMSDF DD Murasame Class]
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