Sakura-class offshore patrol vessel

The Sakura-class patrol ships consist of 12 OPV-type patrol vessels planned to be operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Amidst the rising tensions over the Senkaku Islands and to replace older vessels such as the Hayabusa-class patrol boats, in 2022, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force launched the Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program. Construction of the Sakura-class began as part of the program in 2023, and as of March 2026, the first four ships have been launched.