![DD-124 Mineyuki (Source: MSDF)]](http://i1.wp.com/jsw.newpacificinstitute.org/files/2013/04/124_01l.jpg?resize=300%2C220)
DD-124 Mineyuki (Source: MSDF)]
In a move that is likely to be depicted as a further militarization of the Japanese Coast Guard (JCG), the government is considering transferring decommissioned MSDF destroyers to the JCG to “improve patrols around some disputed islands in the East China Sea,” Kyodo News reported in early March. The discussion has been in the works since November 2012 and having cleared the MoD, the ball now lies in the JCG’s court.
Up for grabs are four recently and soon-to-be commissioned Hatsuyuki-class vessels: the Mineyuki and Sawayuki plus two more vessels. (If someone knows which, please tell us in the comments!) Representatives of the JCG conducted an inspection of one of these vessels at Yokosuka in January.
A key concern is how to modify the vessels for civilian use. The Asahi Shimbun discusses the need to remove the vessels’ torpedo and missile launchers, but in addition to the weaponry, there is the issue of the engines: the Hatsuyuki-class uses gas turbines whereas the JCG uses diesel engines. According to the Asahi article, the JCG is asking the Ministry of Defense to bring the MSDF crew over to the Coast Guard to help train the new crew. The article notes that the JCG’s patrol vessels operate with a crew of only 40, whereas the Hatsuyuki-class vessels typically operate with a complement of 200.
The Japan Coast Guard has been boosting its presence around the Senkaku islands since they were nationalized last September. According to the Asahi, since that time, its patrol vessels have all been assigned to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha, Okinawa to deal with Chinese government vessels, even leading to a cancellation of its 2013 Fleet Review.
The JCG is looking to create a patrol unit dedicated to the Senkaku islands by thge end of FY2015. Among those patrol vessels in Okinawa, only seven are over 1000-tonnes. The JCG want another 12 by that time, but they face a three-year lead time and the necessity of extending the service life of some of their current clunkers.
The Hatsuyuki-class is a 4000-ton destroyer and their adoption, assuming the Coast Guard has the available manpower, will allow the JCG to cover the gap left their current procurement and service schedules.
Of course, it seems inevitable that the adoption of the Hatsuyuki-class vessels will lead to a severe diplomatic caution from China and a likely increase in Chinese government activity in the disputed region. Given Prime Minister Abe’s tougher stance on Chinese naval intrusions, that seems to be a risk he would be willing to take.
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A former contributor to World Intelligence (Japan Military Review), James Simpson joined Japan Security Watch in 2011, migrating with his blog Defending Japan. He has a Masters in Security Studies from Aberystwyth University and is currently living in Kawasaki, Japan.
His primary interests include the so-called 'normalization' of Japanese security (i.e. militarization), and the political impact of the abduction issue with North Korea.
James Simpson has 254 post(s) on Japan Security Watch
6 comments
Tri-ring says:
Apr 2, 2013
If you count from the oldest it would be Isoyuki and Haruyuki since Hamayuki had already been decommissioned last year.Which also makes sense since they are grouped within the 13th escort group stationed in Sasebo which had not seen any of their Hatsuyuki class decommissioned yet. Personally I do not believe JCG will accept the transfer since they already got new cutters within this year’s budget and it would be a total drain in personnel training to adopt such a large ship.
They will also need to remove the missile launchers since it is not within the JCG duties to fire upon another nation’s war ship and would be an unnecessary provocation to have it mounted on.
They could offer it to Vietnam or the Philippines if they want this kind of war ship of the last generation but it would probably raise more problems with China.
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Masa says:
Apr 3, 2013
My JCG officer friend was surprised with this news and first mentioned to the difference of engine type. As mentioned in the article above, there are more than 150 crews between Hatsuyuki class and Mizuho class(one of the biggest patrol vessel with two Bell 212s). Hatsuyuki class will be necessary to be modified for JCG to operate with less crews. Also there are some 40 thousands personnel altogether in JCG not only those for the border, SAR mission but also those for maintain for navigation system of the long coastal lines of Japan.
it’s quite interesting isseu anyway.
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Grey Havoc says:
Apr 3, 2013
It’s possible that they may keep some ASW capability, including the torpedo launchers, as a hedge against intrusions/attacks by ‘unofficial’ minisubs and semi-submersibles.
On a Senkaku related note: http://cdrsalamander.blogspot.ie/2013/04/japan-lays-down-markers.html
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uruzu says:
Apr 4, 2013
The Hatsuyuki boats have displacements of around 3000t. Rather than being in the same class as the JCG 1000t patrol boats , they are more like bigger JCG boats such as the Tsugaru class (around 3500-4000t displacement).
If the JCG manages to find a way to drastically cut down crew number requirements and modify it without excessive cost , then the boats could be a useful addition to the fleet. Higher endurance than the 1000t class PLs , better sensors (sonar,radar), good for prolonged Senkaku standoffs. Maybe they can act as ‘motherships’ for the smaller PLs ?
However it should be noted that they are no younger than the PLHs , ie. Tsugaru, Mizuho or Shikishima . Concerns such a possible need for a costly refit and life extension? Also if the JCG wants to retain the mil grade sonars and sensors, they might need JMSDF onboard to operate them. That would a dangerous line to cross.
The article mentioned ‘all patrol vessels have been assign to the 11th HQ’. Does that mean over 50 PLHs and PLs are now in the 11th region? I have some doubts about that. Could you please provide the source?
But then you said there are only 7 PLs in Naha. So I’m a bit confused. If that’s the case , then the other 40+ large boats are in Ishigaki. I don’t think Ishigaki has the infrastructure to handle them.
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James Simpson says:
Apr 4, 2013
Source is the Asahi article:
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
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Japan’s Coast Guard may be Picking Up Retiring Destroyers | Chuck Hill's CG Blog says:
Apr 13, 2013
[...] Japan’s coast guard may be picking up additional ships in the form of Retiring Destroyers. Since their Coast Guard does not seem to have a defense role, there are some challenging issues to worked out in terms of weapons and manning. [...]