Sakura-class patrol ship


The Sakura-class patrol ships consist of 12 OPV-type patrol vessels planned to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Admist the rising tensions over the Senkaku Islands and to replace older vessels such as the s, in 2022, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force launched the Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel program. Construction of the Sakura-class began as part of the program in 2023, and by late 2025, the first two ships have launched.

Background and operational concept

On 30 June 2022, the Japan Ministry of Defense announced the construction of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force at a cost of ¥ 9 billion per ship. Japan Marine United Corporation is the prime contractor for this program with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries chosen to be the subcontractor. Both JMU and MHI as well as Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding had submitted preliminary designs for the proposed next-generation OPVs.
According to a video release in July 2021 by the Ministry of Defense's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, the purpose of this OPV program is to provide enhanced maritime security, particularly around the southwestern Ryukyu Islands and the East China Sea, including the disputed territories over the Senkaku Islands.
The Sakura-class will replace the s and s currently deployed in patrol missions and as escorts for warships belonging to other navies in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Pacific Ocean. The OPV will be equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, since its armament is limited and will be primarily used in patrol sorties.
Four ships were initially scheduled to be introduced by fiscal year 2024, followed by 12 within the next five years. The first four OPVs are part of the 2023 Defense budget of the Japanese MOD.

Design

The Sakura-class vessels are highly automated and configurable to meet a variety of missions to provide sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in maritime patrol surrounding Japan. Japan Marine United was contracted to build all 12 vessels for the JMSDF, starting from 1 April 2023. The vessels each displace while measuring about in length and in width. The OPV will be fitted with the UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna NORA-50 integration mast and Tactical Air Navigation System, the former of which has tactical data antennas contained in its bar-shaped dome. ATLA stated that UNICORN, which the s under procurement at the time is also being equipped with, has a decreased radar cross section due to its stealthy outline.

Equipment

Ship & power systems

Each OPV features a CODLAD propulsion system, wherein a diesel engine and an electric motor power a single propeller, providing a maximum speed in excess of. The conception artwork also depicts a bow thruster system. Each OPV will be equipped with a 30-mm naval gun mounted on the foredeck for self-defense. The aft section of the vessel is equipped with a crane near the multi-purpose hangar and rear deck for helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicle operations. The stern is also fitted with a launch and recovery system.

Mission modules

The OPVs have ISO containerization capabilities for mission modules that can be installed on board. Minesweeping-related equipment, such as the Autonomous Surface Vehicle and Expendable Mine Disposal, were part of the preliminary design work by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding and displayed at the 2019 MAST Asia defense trade-show, but no decision was made on the final mine counter-measures (MCM) suite.

Procurement

According to its published budget overview, for Fiscal Year 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Defense allocated 35.7 billion yen for the first four ships in the next-generation OPV program. The keels for the first four vessels were laid down at Japan Marine United's Yokohama shipyard Isogo Works, with the first two being launched on 13 November 2025, while the other two will follow suit in March 2026. All four vessels are planned to be commissioned in March 2027.

Ships in the class

Pennant No.NameHome portUnitShipyardPlanLaid downLaunchedCommissionedStatusNote
OPV-901TBDTBDJMU202314 February 202513 November 2025March 2027 Under construction
OPV-902TBDTBDJMU202314 February 202513 November 2025March 2027 Under construction
TBDUnit 3TBDTBDJMU202314 February 2025March 2026 March 2027 Under construction
TBDUnit 4TBDTBDJMU202314 February 2025March 2026 March 2027 Under construction
TBDUnit 5TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 6TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 7TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 8TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 9TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 10TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 11TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending
TBDUnit 12TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDPending

Naming conventions

Ships of the JMSDF are known as Japan Ships and are classified according to the warship type. Patrol boats are named for birds, grass or one that added a number to the type. In 2025, journalist Kosuke Takahashi confirmed that the next-generation offshore patrol vessels will have a new type designation OPV.