Kongō-class destroyer
| A port-front view of the JS Myōkō | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kongō class | 
| Builders | |
| Operators | Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force | 
| Preceded by | Hatakaze class | 
| Succeeded by | Atago class | 
| Built | 1990 - 1998 | 
| In commission | 1993 - | 
| Completed | 4 | 
| Active | 4 | 
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Guided-missile destroyer | 
| Displacement | 
 | 
| Length | 161 m (528 ft) | 
| Beam | 21 m (69 ft) | 
| Draft | 6.2 m (20 ft) | 
| Propulsion | 
 | 
| Speed | 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) | 
| Range | 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km; 5,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) | 
| Complement | 300 | 
| Sensors & processing systems | 
 | 
| Electronic warfare & decoys | 
 | 
| Armament | 
 | 
| Aircraft carried | 1 × SH-60J/K helicopter | 
| Aviation facilities | Helicopter deck only | 
The Kongō class (こんごう型護衛艦, Kongō-gata Goeikan) of guided-missile destroyers in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are equipped with the Aegis Combat System, and is the first of few ship classes outside the United States to have that capability. Following a decision made in December 2003, Japan is upgrading their Kongo-class destroyers with Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The upgrade involves a series of installations and flight tests to take place from 2007 to 2010. JS Kongo was the first ship to have the BMD upgrade installed.