Tsurugi-class patrol vessel

Hotaka (PS-202)
Class overview
NameTsurugi class
BuildersHitachi Zosen Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding
Operators Japan Coast Guard
Built2000–2005
In commission2001–present
Planned15
Completed6
Cancelled9
Active6
General characteristics
TypePatrol vessels, small (PS)
Tonnage220 GT
Length50.0 m (164 ft 1 in)
Beam8.0 m (26 ft 3 in)
Depth4 m (13 ft 1 in)
Propulsion
Speed50+ knots
Armament1 × JM61 20 mm gun with RFS

The Tsurugi class (Japanese: つるぎ型巡視船) is a class of small patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). The development of this class was one of the earliest attempts of the JCG to deal with spy boats from North Korea. In March 1999, the JCG tried to intercept vessels of unknown nationality suspected to be North Korean, but the unknown vessels were too fast, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force had to be called to intercept the unknown vessels. As a consequence of this failure, JCG realized their need for high speed interceptors.[1]

The Tsurugi class is referred to as High-speed, special-purpose patrol vessels (高速特殊警備船, Koutoku-sen). Planned as the top-tier of JCG intercept spy boats, this class features very high speed and accurate firepower. Its weaponry includes a JM61 20 mm Gatling gun, and a Remote Firing System consisting of a remote weapon system with a laser-optical fire-control system.[2]

In the Battle of Amami-Ōshima, the combination of the 20 mm gun with the RFS proved its worth, but it became clear that its effective range was insufficient against weapons on board the North Korean spy boats such as 9K38 Igla MANPADS and B-10 recoilless rifle. In response, the JCG intends to organize mobile flotillas combining Tsurugi-class ships with vessels of the Hida and Aso classes, which have Bofors 40 mm L/70 autocannons.[3]

  1. ^ Yoshifumi Mayama 2008, p142.
  2. ^ Shigehiro Sakamoto 2008, p. 134.
  3. ^ Shigehiro Sakamoto 2008, p135.