List of active Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships

List of active ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is a list of ships in active service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The JMSDF is one of the world's largest navies and the second largest navy in Asia in terms of fleet tonnage. As of 2013, the JMSDF operates a total of 114 vessels (excluding minor auxiliary vessels), including; four helicopter destroyers (or helicopter carriers), six large aegis destroyers (or cruisers), two guided missile destroyers (DDG), 16 destroyers (DD), 13 small destroyers (or frigates), six destroyer escorts (or corvettes), 16 attack submarines, 29 mine countermeasure vessels, six patrol vessels, three landing ship tanks, 8 training vessels and a fleet of various auxiliary ships.

As of 2013, a procurement list added to the current National Defense Program Guidelines has revealed that, among other things, an additional 48 escort vessels of various classes are planned to be added to the MSDF fleet in the coming decade. In addition, as of July 7, 2013, it was being reported that plans were under way to procure two more Aegis equipped destroyers in order to bolster ongoing BMD efforts, the first to be contracted for in fiscal year 2015 and the other in fiscal year 2016.

Guided missile destroyers - DDG
Note: Although classed as Guided missile destroyers (DDG), some vessels have often been cited as Heavy destroyers due to their large size and armaments making them analogous to cruisers, such as the modern Ticonderoga-class.

Destroyers - DD
Note: The JMSDF uses the official term Destroyers (DD) despite some smaller vessels being analogous to frigates by most international classifications.

Patrol vessels
Note: As of 2013, the possibility exists that the retired PG 1-go class (3) vessels may be returned to service.

Future JMSDF vessels

 * Izumo-class helicopter destroyer (one launched, one planned)
 * DDR Destroyer Revolution (''5400 tonnes Light Escort Destroyer project, also referred to as 'the next generation escort ship'. Program in existence since 2009, current plans are to start construction on the first of class by 2021 at the latest. Full scale R&D activities scheduled from 2011 onwards.)
 * 25DD class destroyer (''New 5,000-ton destroyer program revealed in the MoD's FY2013 budget request. Seemingly an ASW optimised development of the Akizuki class likely intended for Sea lines of communication duties rather than the escort of Ageis destroyers as in the case of the Akizuki. Planned to cost even less to operate and maintain than the already low cost Akizuki class, partly through the use of COGLAG [Combined Gas turbine Electric And Gas turbine] propulsion. ¥72.3 billion has been requested for the construction of the first unit in the class.)
 * In 2013 plans for an additional 2-4 AEGIS destroyers was presented. The first pair should be in service by 2018.