Maya-class

The Maya class is a series of two guided-missile destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Developed as a modified version of the preceding Atago class, the vessels were produced to replace the Hatakaze class. The construction of the class was included in the National Defense Program Guidelines for FY2014, with Japan Marine United serving as the builder. The two vessels in the class, JS Maya and JS Haguro, were built between 2017 and 2021.

The class features a hull designed to accommodate a Combined Gas turbine-eLectric And Gas turbine (COGLAG) propulsion system. This hybrid-electric system utilizes electric motors for low-speed cruising and gas turbines for higher speeds, supported by a high-voltage distribution system.

The Maya class is equipped with the Aegis Weapon System Baseline 9C and the Aegis BMD 5.1 system. These represent the first JMSDF Aegis vessels capable of ballistic missile defense from the time of commissioning. A primary technical characteristic is the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), which enables the ships to share surveillance and targeting information with other CEC-equipped assets, including United States and Australian naval vessels and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft.

Armament consists of vertical launch systems for surface-to-air and anti-ballistic missiles, including the SM-2 and SM-3 series. The class is designed for future integration of the SM-6 missile, which can be networked via the CEC system for intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Other equipment includes anti-ship missile canisters, torpedo tubes, and a flight deck with a hangar for a single SH-60K helicopter. The design allows for the future installation of locally developed railguns and laser point-defense systems.

JS Maya entered service in March 2020, followed by JS Haguro in March 2021. In November 2022, both vessels conducted ballistic missile defense trials at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii. During these tests, JS Maya performed the first launch of an SM-3 Block IIA missile from a Japanese warship, successfully intercepting a target outside the atmosphere. JS Haguro also successfully intercepted a target using an SM-3 Block IB missile. These tests, conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of the class.