Haruna-class

Summary

Description

The Haruna-class destroyer was developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the early 1970s as a helicopter-carrying destroyer, termed DDH. These vessels were centered around a considerable hangar capacity that could accommodate up to three helicopters, aimed to augment the JMSDF's fleet aviation capabilities.

The origin of the Haruna-class can be traced back to Japan's post-World War II focus on maritime safety and defense. Initially, the plan was to construct a dedicated helicopter carrier, as contemplated by the Defense Agency in 1960. However, the idea of a single-carrier strategy was eventually abandoned in favor of dispersing aviation assets across multiple destroyers to enhance operational flexibility and logistics support for the fleet's aviation component.

The design of the Haruna-class incorporated features from the preceding Takatsuki-class destroyers. Initially, the armament consisted of two 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 42 guns and a Type 74 octuple missile launcher, a Japanese adaptation of the American Mark 16 GMLS, all positioned on the forecastle deck. In the 1980s, under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, significant updates were implemented. The Sea Sparrow missile launchers, Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), and chaff launchers were added, and the ships gained the ability to operate the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) with an OYQ-6/7 combat direction system, greatly enhancing their combat capabilities.

The Haruna-class design supported aviation operations with a rear superstructure integrated helicopter hangar and a 50-meter long afterdeck outfitted with a beartrap system to facilitate the operation of large HSS-2 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

Technical specifications

Photo of Haruna class