Japanese Asahi class destroyer JS Shiranui successfully fires ESSM missile.

According to information published by the Japanese MoD on July 11, 2023, the JMSDF Asahi class destroyer JS Shiranui fired an Evolved SeaSparrow missile during the exercise Pacific Vanguard.
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Asahi class destroyer JS Shiranui firing Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. (Picture source: JMSDF)

Pacific Vanguard is a key exercise where navies from four Indo-Pacific countries sharpen skills in maritime, anti-submarine, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and advanced maneuvers.

Japan is represented by the destroyer JS Shiranui (DD 120) and multiple aircraft, Australia by the Exercise Control personnel, and the Republic of Korea by the destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976). The US is represented by the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) and aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72.

Technical data

The Asahi-class destroyer is a naval vessel with a standard displacement of 5,100 tonnes and a full load displacement of 6,800 tonnes. It measures 151 m in length, 18.3 m in beam, and has a draft of 5.4 m. The vessel's depth is 10.9 m.

In terms of propulsion, the destroyer uses a COGLAG system, consisting of two shafts and two GE LM2500 turbines. This configuration allows for a maximum speed of 30 knots. The vessel accommodates up to 230 personnel.

The vessel's suite of sensors and processing systems includes the OYQ-13 ACDS, FCS-3A AAW system, OPY-1 AAW system, OQQ-24 ASW system, OQR-4 Towed sonar array system, NOLQ-3D-2 EW system, and OPS-48 surface search radar.

The Asahi-class destroyer's armament includes a Mk. 45 Mod 4 127 mm gun, eight Type 90 Anti-ship missiles in quad canisters, two 20 mm Phalanx Block1B CIWS, two HOS-303 triple 324 mm torpedo tubes, an Anti-torpedo System, and a 32-cell Mk. 41 Vertical launching system for RIM-162 ESSM SAM, RUM-139 VL-ASROC, and Type 07 VL-ASROC.