With state-of-the-art equipment, the Akizuki-class is said to be the most modern destroyer class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force today
The Akizuki class was built between 2009 and 2012, consisting of four ships: Akizuki, Teruzuki, Suzutsuki, and Fuyuzuki
The class was designed to escort the Hyūga-class and Izumo-class helicopter destroyers
and to protect other Aegis-capable warships such as the Kongō-class and Atago-class.
The Akizuki class has a full load displacement of about 6,800 tons, a length of 150.5 m, a beam of 18.3 m, and a draft of 5.3 m
The vessels provide defense against surface, airborne and undersea threats
The hull structure is based on the Takanami-class destroyer, with many small improvements
such as cleaner lines to reduce the radar signature and decoys for torpedoes
but the principal changes can be summed up as more powerful engines, sensors, sonar
and the indigenous ATECS battle management system that has been called the Japanese AEGIS
The design incorporates a low radar cross section mast to enhance stealth capability
The propulsion system is a Combined gas and gas configuration, consisting of four Rolls Royce Spey SM1C turbines, driving two shafts
The engines incorporate latest digital control technology
The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 30kt. The vessel can accommodate 200 crew members
The Akizuki Class is equipped with an indigenously developed advanced technology command system
also known as the Japanese variant of Aegis, includes a phased array radar
high-speed data processing systems and a shipboard combat system
The system integrates UYQ-70 display and control units and subsystems
It receives and processes the information from the various weapon systems including 3-FCS-3 fire control systems
an integrated anti-submarine system and an electronic warfare control system
The ship's most powerful weapon is eight Type 90 anti-ship missiles, which is a ship-launch version of the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile
It has the range of 150km to 200km by using an inertial and active radar guidance system
In addition, a Mk41 vertical launch system is fitted for launching RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles, RUM-139 VL-ASROC and Type 07 VL-ASROC
Other weapon includes a Mk45 5in lightweight main gun fitted forward in the vessel
The destroyer also features two 20mm Phalanx Block1B CIWS to provide point defence against incoming short range missiles
rockets and low-flying fixed-wing aircraft
The Akizuki Class is fitted with two 324mm HOS-303 triple torpedo tubes firing six torpedoes
The stern area has a helipad and a hangar that can accommodate two SH-60K anti-submarine helicopters
It can be seen that, despite its compact size, the power of the Akizuki-class can make any enemy warship terrified