Name Aso class Preceded by Ojika-class Built 2002 – 2006 | Operators Japan Coast Guard Succeeded by Hateruma-class | |
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Builders Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Universal Shipbuilding Corporation | ||
Aso class patrol vessel is a class of PL type patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard. PL stands for Patrol vessel Large, and the class name "Aso" is named after Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan.
This class is one of the new patrol vessel classes to intercept spy boats of DPRK. These classes are called "高速高機能大型巡視船", High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large. Having Bofors 40 mm L/70 autocannon with fire-control system, this class is safely able to deal with heavily armed spy boats of DPRK which intrude into Japanese waters. The hull of this class is bulletproof in case of close-range firefights.
In the back of the bridge's side, this class has display devices that can be used to instruct other ships to stop even at nighttime. And on the bridge superstructure, this class is equipped with the LIDAR system to acquire targets with high accuracy. At the same time, this system enables them to perform search and rescue missions more safely.