Yaeyama Class Minesweeper

Yaeyama Class Minesweeper

The Yaeyama class is the largest class of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweepers, designed for open-sea mine clearance operations. Three ships were built in the class, a further three ships were planned but were cancelled. The ships use wooden hulls to reduce their magnetic signature. Yaeyama class is one of the largest-sized wooden hull ships designed today (except old and replica ships).

Jane's Fighting Ships notes their similarity to the U.S. Avenger-class minesweepers.

All three vessels are named after World War II Japanese ships: Yaeyama after a minelayer, and Tsushima and Hachijo after kaibokans. Of their World War II namesakes, only Hachijo survived the war.