Asahi-class (25DD)

The procurement of this destroyer class commenced in 2013 under the 25DD designation to address the reduction of existing hulls within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. While the design is based on a preceding class, the development focus was redirected from anti-air warfare toward specialized anti-submarine operations. Construction of the units took place between 2015 and 2019, with the vessels assuming names previously held by earlier naval assets.

The platform is optimized for anti-submarine warfare, utilizing a suite of sensors including towed sonar arrays and dedicated processing systems. It is the first class in the fleet to incorporate a combined gas turbine electric and gas turbine propulsion system, which utilizes electric motors for low-speed transit to optimize fuel consumption. The radar system employs gallium nitride in an active electronically scanned array, providing higher power density and enhanced frequency coverage compared to standard gallium arsenide components. For engagement, the vessel is equipped with a vertical launching system for anti-submarine rockets and surface-to-air missiles, complemented by anti-ship missile canisters, torpedo tubes, and a naval helicopter.

Two units of this class are currently in active service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The lead vessel was commissioned in early 2018, followed by the second unit in 2019. Both ships remain operational within the current maritime force structure.