JS Yūbetsu (FFM-8)

Yūbetsu is a frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the eighth ship of the. She was named after the Yūbetsu River in Hokkaido and is the second ship to bear the name, after the .

History

Yūbetsu was ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program of 2021, and she was laid down at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems in Tamano on 30 August 2022. She was christened and launched on 14 November 2023. Although the acquisition cost of the Mk.41 VLS was included in the 2021 supplementary budget, it was decided to equip it at a later date, due to the global semiconductor shortage. The ship was originally planned to be commissioned in March 2025 after a period of being fitted out and undergoing sea trials. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the delayed delivery of semiconductors, Yūbetsu was instead commissioned on 19 June 2025, being deployed to the Ōminato Naval Base.