Tachikaze-class

The Tachikaze class was a series of three guided-missile destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries between 1973 and 1983, the class represented the second generation of JMSDF air-defense vessels. It succeeded the Amatsukaze class and was followed by the Hatakaze class. The vessels were named after destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The design integrated the Tartar-D system as its primary air-defense suite, utilizing the Standard-1 MR missile. These were the first JMSDF vessels to incorporate computers for shipboard functions through the American Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) architecture. Each vessel in the class received successive upgrades to its command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The lead ship, Tachikaze, carried the OYQ-1 Weapon Entry System (WES), which was based on the technology of the Takatsuki-class destroyer. The second ship, Asakaze, utilized the OYQ-2 Target Designation System (TDS), while the final ship, Sawakaze, was equipped with the OYQ-4 combat direction system.

The class entered service between 1976 and 1983. Throughout their operational history, the vessels were stationed at the Sasebo and Yokosuka naval bases. In 1998, Tachikaze underwent conversion to serve as the flagship of the Fleet Escort Force. This modification involved the removal of the aft 5-inch gun to accommodate a fleet command area. Upon the decommissioning of the Tachikaze in 2007, the Sawakaze assumed the flagship role. The class was phased out of service starting in 2007, with the final ship, Sawakaze, retired in June 2010.