Yubari-class

The Yūbari-class destroyer escort was developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as the successor to the Ishikari class. The class was named after a 1920s-era experimental light cruiser. Two vessels were completed between 1981 and 1983. While the 1985 Mid-Term Defense Buildup Program originally planned for six ships, the JMSDF ended production after two units because the design was considered too small for its requirements. The Abukuma class succeeded the design.

The class uses an extended version of the Ishikari hull. To conserve internal space, the vessels utilize a center-superstructure design. This configuration differed from the flush-decker style common in the JMSDF and led to criticism regarding the ships' performance in open seas. The propulsion system is a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) arrangement. It employs a Kawasaki-built Rolls-Royce Olympus TM-3B gas turbine for high-speed boosting and a Kawasaki 6DRV diesel engine for cruising.

The electronic systems include an OYQ-5 tactical data processing system capable of receiving data via Link-14. The ships lack a dedicated air-search radar, instead utilizing an OPS-28 surface search and target acquisition radar for detecting low-altitude threats. The FCS-2 gun fire-control system provides additional air-searching functionality. The armament reflects a shift in mission concept toward surface-to-surface engagements. The vessels were equipped with Harpoon missiles, an automated Otobreda gun, a Bofors rocket launcher, and HOS-301 torpedo tubes. This configuration omitted the ASROC system found on preceding classes. Space was allocated for a Phalanx CIWS at the stern, though the equipment was never fitted.

Both ships, Yūbari and Yūbetsu, were home-ported at Mutsu, Aomori, as part of the Ominato District Force. This deployment placed the vessels in the northernmost district of the JMSDF, operating in proximity to the Russian Pacific Fleet. The vessels entered service in 1983 and 1984 and were decommissioned in June 2010.