Murasame-Class Destroyers
First VLS Destroyers - Murasame-class are JMSDF's first destroyers with Vertical Launch System. 9 ships commissioned 1996-1999. Compact general-purpose destroyers (6,200 tons). 16 Mk 41 VLS cells (most upgraded to 32). SeaSparrow ESSM, ASROC. One 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid gun. 8× Harpoon anti-ship missiles. SH-60J/K helicopter. Advanced ASW (OQS-5 sonar, OQR-1 towed array). Crew 165 (automated). Multi-role but ASW-focused. All 9 active as of 2025 (26-29 years service - remarkable longevity). First modern Japanese destroyers to use VLS technology. Mix of US (VLS, radar) and European (OTO gun) systems. Workhorses of JMSDF - proven reliable design serving decades.
Specifications
- Displacement (std)
- 4550 t
- Displacement (full)
- 6200 t
- Length
- 495.4 ft
- Beam
- 57.1 ft
- Crew
- 165
- Ships built
- 9
- Commissioned
- 1996-1999
- Decommissioned
- Active (as of 2025)
Performance
- Top speed
- 30 kn
- Range
- 4500 nm at 18 knots
Armament
- Main guns
- 1× 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid
- Torpedoes
- 2× triple 324mm HOS-303
Armor & Systems
- Belt
- None
In-Game
- Tier
- T7
- Game power
- 283.29
- Research cost
- 305,387
- Credit cost
- 198,303
Notable
- First JMSDF destroyers with VLS (1996)
- Compact general-purpose destroyers
- Reduced crew (165 via automation)
- Mix of US and European systems (OTO gun, Mk 41 VLS)
- Multi-role: ASW primary, also AAW and ASuW
- 9 ships built (large class)
- Most upgraded with 32 VLS (originally 16)
- All 9 active as of 2025 (26-29 years service)