Japan Launches 7th MSDF Aegis Ship

July 31, 2018

Yokohama- Japan on Monday launched the seventh Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis ship at Japan Marine United Corp.'s Yokohama Shipyard in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo.

The 8,200-ton ship, named Maya, will enter service in 2020 after ballistic missile interception and other equipment is installed.

The 168-billion-yen ship is the first in Japan with a Cooperative Engagement Capability system to share information on enemy missile and aircraft locations between Japan and the United States in real time.

SM-3 Block IIA interceptor missiles being jointly developed by the two countries will also be installed.

The MSDF will launch another Aegis ship in 2019, expanding its Aegis fleet in service to eight vessels in 2021.

The day's launch ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera. Jiji Press