Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has launched the last of the Hibiki-class auxiliary ocean surveillance vessels for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. The JS Bingo (AOS 5204) is the fourth ship in the series, designed for acoustic-based surface and seabed monitoring missions. The vessel was named after a location off the coast of the Seto Inland Sea that flows into the Pacific Ocean. The construction cost approximately 19.6 billion Japanese yen, or $129.1 billion.
The Hibiki survey vessel was introduced in the 1990s, with the first three ships still operational under the naval force. The decision to introduce a fourth ship was driven by the increasing number of submarines in the Pacific region. Each Hibiki vessel measures 67 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a dedicated landing area for a maritime helicopter and accommodations for up to 40 personnel. The vessel is powered by four Mitsubishi S6U-MPTK diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of 11 knots and a range of 3,800 nautical miles.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense will be hosting a commissioning ceremony for the Bingo at the Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefecture later this year. The Hibiki-class surveillance system is designed to detect and track submarines, which is crucial for maintaining the country’s security in the Pacific region. With the new addition, Japan’s naval force will have a more robust capability to detect and track potential threats, ensuring the country’s maritime security.