The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its second of three Awaji-class mine countermeasures vessels in a ceremony held on 16 March in Kanagawa Prefecture. The first-of-class JS Awaji was commissioned one year ago today.

Launched in February 2017, JS Hirado began sea trials in September 2017. Awaji class has a length of 67 metres, a beam of 11 metres and displaces 690 tons. Powered by two 2,200 hp diesel engines, the vessels can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots. The hull of these platforms has been constructed from a composite fibre-reinforced plastic material to reduce the magnetic signature of the platforms.