BMT and Japan Marine United have secured a contract to design and construct a new class of high speed landing craft for the Japan Self Defense Force.
This project contract, from Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), represents the collaborative efforts between the UK and Japan.
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The initiative involves BMT providing the design for the next-generation high speed landing craft, leveraging their Caimen™ landing craft concept.
The design features a tri-bow hull form, which is approximately 30 metres (m) in length, offering enhanced seakeeping, performance, and beaching capabilities.
According to BMT, this design enables the vessel to exceed speeds of 20 knots, facilitating rapid deployment in urgent scenarios.
The craft’s design will also offer capacity for carrying vehicles and troops, thus increasing operational flexibility and efficiency.
BMT Commercial Maritime, Sales head Martin Bissuel said: “The next-generation high speed landing craft stands out as a pivotal investment for the Japan Self Defense Force. Caimen Japan offers an advanced, reliable, and highly functional platform that enhances their maritime operational capabilities significantly.
“This contract underscores the importance of international partnerships in achieving technological and defence advancements.”
The Caimen series ranges from the Caimen 60 to the Caimen 150, with a full-length cargo deck that allows for roll-on roll-off vehicle loading and unloading.
The vehicle deck space varies from 340m² to 950m², accommodating two or four vehicle lanes according to the craft’s size.
Production design and construction of the vessels will be undertaken at Japan Marine United’s facilities in Japan.
JMU director and senior managing officer Akinori Takeno said: “This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity for us to work together to build cutting-edge, high-speed landing crafts with advanced aluminium hulls.
“By combining BMT’s innovative design concepts with our exceptional technologies and facilities, we hope to deliver landing crafts that exceed expectations. This partnership highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime industry.”
This development follows the delivery of the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna by Lockheed Martin to the Japan Ministry of Defense for integration with the Aegis system equipped vessel in January 2025.
The radar was delivered through a direct commercial sale agreement facilitated by Mitsubishi after successful acceptance testing.
