Kongo-class

The Kongō class of guided-missile destroyers was developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to provide fleet defense against aerial threats, specifically Soviet Tupolev Tu-22M bombers. Following the operation of the Amatsukaze and the Tachikaze class, the JMSDF pursued the Aegis Weapon System in the early 1980s. Formal implementation began in 1984, and the class was built under the FY1988 program to succeed the Hatakaze class.

The design is based on the United States Navy Arleigh Burke class but modified for Japanese operational requirements. The hull uses a shelter deck design with inclined outer panels to reduce the radar cross-section. The hull is wider than preceding Japanese destroyers to support a superstructure configured with four passive electronically scanned array antennas. The internal arrangement differs from the Arleigh Burke design to accommodate additional command and control equipment, allowing the vessels to serve as flagships. This requirement resulted in an enlarged superstructure and the use of a vertical mast. Propulsion is provided by four gas turbines. The primary combat system is the Aegis Weapon System, which has been updated through modernization from Baseline 4 to Baseline 5.3. Electronic systems include the AN/SPY-1D radar, the OQS-102 sonar, and the NOLQ-2 electronic warfare system for electronic support and attack.

Four ships were commissioned between 1993 and 1998: Kongō, Kirishima, Myōkō, and Chōkai. These vessels are active and homeported at Sasebo, Yokosuka, and Maizuru. Following a 2003 decision, the class underwent upgrades to incorporate the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System to counter ballistic missile threats. JS Kongō was the first ship to receive this upgrade and performed the first Japanese flight test of an SM-3 interceptor in December 2007. Further successful BMD tests were conducted by Myōkō in 2009 and Kirishima in 2010. A BMD test conducted by Chōkai in 2008 did not result in an intercept. The ships utilize the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System for surface-to-air, anti-ballistic, and anti-submarine missiles. Additional equipment includes anti-ship missile canisters, torpedo tubes, a main gun, and close-in weapon systems.