Sakura-class patrol ship

The Sakura-class patrol ships consist of 12 OPV-type patrol vessels planned to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Admist the rising tensions over the Senkaku Islands and to replace older vessels such as the Hayabusa-class patrol boats, in 2022, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force launched the Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program. Construction of the Sakura-class began as part of the program in 2023, and by late 2025, the first two ships have launched.

The Sakura-class will replace the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts and Hayabusa-class patrol boats currently deployed in patrol missions and as escorts for warships belonging to other navies in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Pacific Ocean. The OPV will be equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, since its armament is limited and will be primarily used in patrol sorties.

Four ships were initially scheduled to be introduced by fiscal year 2024, followed by 12 within the next five years. The first four OPVs are part of the 2023 Defense budget of the Japanese MOD.

The Sakura-class vessels are highly automated and configurable to meet a variety of missions to provide sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in maritime patrol surrounding Japan. Japan Marine United was contracted to build all 12 vessels for the JMSDF, starting from 1 April 2023. The vessels each displace 1,950 t while measuring about 95 m in length and 12 m in width. The OPV will be fitted with the UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) NORA-50 integration mast and Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), the former of which has tactical data antennas contained in its bar-shaped dome. ATLA stated that UNICORN, which the Mogami-class frigates under procurement at the time is also being equipped with, has a decreased radar cross section (RCS) due to its stealthy outline.