Destroyer
Kongo-class destroyer
The Kongo-class is a Japanese guided-missile destroyer class built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI and in service since 1993. Four ships carry the Aegis combat system, making them the first Aegis ships outside the US Navy.
Japan|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries & Ishikawajima-Harima (IHI)Overview
The Kongo class is based on the US Arleigh Burke design and was the first outside the US Navy to carry Aegis. The four ships are Kongo (DDG-173), Kirishima (DDG-174), Myoko (DDG-175) and Chokai (DDG-176), commissioned 1993–1998. Kongo was launched in 1991 by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki. Displacement is 9,485 t full load, length 161 m, speed 30 knots, with four GE LM2500 gas turbines. The radar is the AN/SPY-1D.
The Mk 41 VLS holds 90 cells for SM-2, SM-3 and ESSM-capable fits, with Japanese-specific data possibly differing. Other weapons include a 127 mm Mk 45 gun, Type 90 anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and two Phalanx CIWS. All four ships were upgraded between 2007 and 2020 with Aegis ballistic missile defence and SM-3 Block IA missiles. The Atago and Maya classes, two ships each, now supplement them in the missile-defence role. Japan is the only operator.
Key Specifications
Variants
The lead ship Kongo (DDG-173) was launched in 1991 and is the namesake of the class.
The BMD-upgraded Kongo-class ships received Aegis ballistic missile defence and SM-3 Block IA missiles between 2007 and 2020.
The mid-life modernisation covers upgrades to the Kongo-class ships to extend their service life.
Operators
JapanFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Kongo-class an Aegis destroyer?
Yes, the Kongo-class is an Aegis destroyer. It was the first class outside the US Navy to carry the Aegis combat system, with the AN/SPY-1D radar. All four ships also have ballistic missile defence.
How many Kongo-class destroyers are there?
Four Kongo-class destroyers serve with Japan: Kongo, Kirishima, Myoko and Chokai. They were commissioned between 1993 and 1998. Japan’s total Aegis fleet includes the Atago and Maya classes.
What missiles does the Kongo-class carry?
The Kongo-class carries SM-2, SM-3 and ESSM-capable missiles in a Mk 41 VLS with 90 cells, plus Type 90 anti-ship missiles. Japanese-specific loadouts may vary. SM-3 Block IA gives ballistic missile defence.
How big is the Kongo-class destroyer?
The Kongo-class is 161 m long and displaces 9,485 t at full load, with a speed of 30 knots. The crew is about 300. It is larger than the US Arleigh Burke Flight I on which it is based.
Kongo-class vs Arleigh Burke: what is the difference?
The Kongo-class is derived from the Arleigh Burke class, with the same SPY-1D radar and Mk 41 launcher. The Kongo is larger at 9,485 t and has no helicopter hangar, only a flight deck.
Which countries use the Kongo-class?
Only Japan operates the Kongo-class, with four ships in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The design has not been exported. It is succeeded in the missile-defence role by the Atago and Maya classes.