Japan Launches Fourth Hibiki-Class Ocean Surveillance Ship, JS Bingo

On February 17, 2025, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) celebrated the launch of its fourth Hibiki-class auxiliary ocean surveillance ship, named JS Bingo (AOS 5204). The ceremony took place at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' shipyard in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. The vessel is named after the Bingo Sea, a region in the central Seto Inland Sea, following the tradition of naming Hibiki-class ships after notable seas ("nada") in Japan.

Construction and Future Plans

Construction of JS Bingo began in March 2024, with the ship entering the water less than a year later. The shipyard will now focus on outfitting the vessel with necessary equipment and systems, aiming for delivery and commissioning by March 2026. Once operational, JS Bingo will join the JMSDF's Ocean Surveillance Division 1, based at the Kure naval base in Hiroshima Prefecture. This division, the JMSDF's sole surveillance unit, currently operates three Hibiki-class ships and will benefit from the addition of JS Bingo to enhance its maritime monitoring capabilities.

Investment and Purpose

The construction of JS Bingo represents a significant investment of approximately 19.6 billion yen (around $129.2 million), as per the contract awarded in March 2023. This investment underscores Japan's commitment to bolstering its maritime surveillance, especially in response to evolving regional security dynamics. The JMSDF aims to enhance its ability to gather acoustic intelligence in surrounding waters, addressing the increasing complexity of the security environment.

Design and Specifications

JS Bingo, like its predecessors, features a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design, which provides superior stability, especially in rough seas. Key specifications include:

• Length: 67.0 meters
• Beam (Width): 29.9 meters
• Height: 15.3 meters
• Draft: 7.5 meters
• Displacement: Approximately 2,900 tonnes
• Propulsion: Four diesel engines driving two propulsion motors, delivering a total of 3,000 shaft horsepower
• Speed: Maximum speed of 11 knots
• Crew: Accommodates 40 personnel

The vessel is also equipped with a flight deck to support helicopter operations, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Advanced Surveillance Capabilities

A notable advancement in JS Bingo is its upgraded Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS). This low-frequency sonar system is designed for long-range detection and tracking of submarines, providing critical acoustic data to bolster anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts. The enhanced SURTASS aboard JS Bingo offers improved detection capabilities compared to earlier ships in the class, addressing the need for advanced maritime surveillance in light of regional naval developments.

Operational Enhancements

The introduction of JS Bingo will lead to operational improvements within the Ocean Surveillance Division 1. Since 2017, this division has employed a rotational crew system, allowing for continuous deployment without assigning a fixed crew to each ship. Currently, three vessels are operated by four alternating crews. With the commissioning of JS Bingo, the division plans to implement a five-crew system across four ships, increasing operational availability and ensuring sustained maritime monitoring.

Strategic Importance

The Hibiki-class ships serve as mobile sonar platforms, primarily tasked with detecting and tracking submarines in waters surrounding Japan. The development of this class began in response to the emergence of quieter submarines in the 1980s. Today, with neighboring countries expanding their submarine fleets, the JMSDF's investment in vessels like JS Bingo is crucial for maintaining robust ASW capabilities and ensuring maritime security.

In summary, the launch of JS Bingo marks a significant milestone in Japan's efforts to enhance its maritime surveillance and defense posture. Equipped with advanced technology and designed for optimal performance, JS Bingo is poised to play a vital role in safeguarding Japan's maritime interests in the coming years.