For the first time, Japan Marine United (JMU) showed conceptual designs for the future destroyers of the self-backed armed forces of the Japan Maritime DDGX and DDX-Hautrend of the Dsei Japan Defense exhibition in the past month.
This 2025 edition of Dsei Japan was an opportunity for the Japanese naval architect and the building contractor to underline its ability to produce ships of all sizes to high production rates. At the moment, 80% of the farm's activities are concentrated on the civil sector, which includes the coast guard, the rest between construction and MRO for JMSDF and units of the 7th fleet of the US Navy in Japan. JMU is therefore striving to build on its already massive presence in the marine landscape. In recent years, the shipyard has launched the ships of the Maya class, the Awaji-Class-Minensweers on the market and received an order in recent times Build one of two ASEVs In cooperation with Lockheed Martin and OPVs.
This is the first time that the JMU-Hof has presented current models of future destruction concepts for the JMSDF-one for the DDGX program to replace the Kongo class, another for the DDX program to replace the Murasame-Class-Ob well-being of the acquisition technology and logistics agency, no tender has been issued notified.
As for the DDX program, the first draft phase was launched in fiscal year 24 and is based on feedback from the Destroyers of the ASAHI/25DD class and the Mogami/30ffM frigate. Naval news reported During the combined naval event 2024 on the first ATLA requirements for your future functions.
In any case, it is interesting to observe the technologies shown in the models. Although they are pure concepts at this point, they give an idea of the programs that should be in operation at the same time as they enter the service of these future ships and their possible integration. One of the models shows the presence of a railgun, a technology that is still in the test phase, which is good in development and is widespread by ATLA to integrate future JMSDF platforms. Laser systems that are currently being developed by Kawasaki are also exhibited, in other words. Naval news Reports on the naval versionwhich were also introduced in Dsei Japan. JMU also shows the possible reuse of unicorn communication mast from the Mogami class, which would be a radical departure from the impressive masts that are currently on duty.
In view of the fact that the program and its details have not yet been officially published on potential industrial candidates for DDGX and DDX, JMU is careful about the models exhibited on the show with a few details. For example, a large room on the upper deck remains empty. “Since the requirements have not been published by the Japanese mod, the technologies and the design shown here are purely conceptually. Empty rooms that you see here can absorb any kind of systems, either weapons, containers or other solutions. We will still know more if ATLA publish official requirements.” JMU representative told Naval news.
A third, smaller model shows a possible “more staled” design with fuselage lines that could reduce the radar cross section and the ASW functions expected by future destroyers. Although so far unconfirmed, it is very likely that the future DDGX and DDX will have at least a fuselage assembled sonar.
Take a look at our interview with JMU at Dsei Japan 2025: