BMT and JMU deliver Japan’s first high-speed landing craft

The first CAIMEN Japan high-speed landing craft, based on a platform designed by BMT and with detailed design and construction undertaken by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), has been launched, a major milestone in Japan’s next-generation High Speed Landing Craft programme for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).

The launch follows the December 2025 contract award by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) to JMU for design and build of the next-generation High Speed Landing Craft. Under the programme, BMT provides the CAIMEN landing craft design, while JMU undertakes production design and construction at its facilities in Japan.

How the launch strengthens the defence industrial relationship between the UK and Japan

Graeme Nayler, Managing Director – Asia Pacific, BMT, said: “The launch of the first CAIMEN Japan is a proud moment for everyone involved in the programme and, more importantly, a demonstration of what genuine international partnership can deliver. JMU brings world-class shipbuilding capability and a deep understanding of the JSDF’s requirements; BMT brings a proven design shaped by years of research and development. Together, that combination has carried this vessel from contract award to launch with confidence.”

“The programme is also significant in representing a rare instance of an overseas vessel design being adopted for a Japanese defence programme. We see this launch not as an end point but as a milestone in a long-term commitment to Japan’s maritime sector. It strengthens the defence industrial relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan and it deepens BMT’s presence and partnerships across the Asia Pacific region where so much of the future of maritime capability is being shaped.”

Photo: BMT

The vessels are set to serve with the JSDF’s Maritime Transport Group, a joint unit of the Japan Maritime, Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces established in March 2025 supporting the rapid and flexible movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment between sea and shore, including to remote islands in Japan’s southwestern region where established port facilities are limited.

Approximately 35 metres long and of aluminium construction, CAIMEN Japan incorporates BMT’s distinctive tri-bow hull form and is designed to achieve speeds of approximately 18 knots while carrying vehicles and personnel. The hull form combines high-speed transit with the seakeeping, manoeuvrability and stability required for beaching operations, as the result of extensive research and development across the CAIMEN family of landing craft.

Delivering sovereign national capabilities with in-country build partners

The launch marks the first application of a BMT design to a Japanese shipbuilding programme and a significant step in the continuing evolution of the CAIMEN family. Developed and refined over many years, the CAIMEN family has been engineered to meet diverse littoral manoeuvre requirements across a wide range of operating environments, with variants in service and production for allied armed forces internationally, including the US Army’s Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), an evolution of the BMT CAIMEN-90 adapted through the Vigor–BMT partnership and now in full-rate production. It is a proven design, tailored as a localised solution to Japan’s specific operational requirements and delivered as sovereign national capability through an in-country build partner, reflecting BMT’s established partnering with national shipbuilders across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Eto Atsushi, JMU Director and Managing Officer, said: “The launch of the first CAIMEN Japan marks a significant achievement for both JMU and BMT, one that neither company could have accomplished independently. BMT’s proven CAIMEN design, combined with JMU’s engineering expertise, production design capabilities, and shipbuilding craftsmanship, has been successfully realised through close and productive collaboration between our two organisations. Despite a demanding construction schedule, the project has progressed smoothly through meticulous planning, effective coordination and the unwavering dedication of all those involved. This achievement reflects not only the strength of our teamwork but also JMU’s enduring commitment to quality, precision and craftsmanship, together with the strong partnership we have developed with BMT.”

“Today’s launch is not only a proud milestone for all of us but also an opportunity to reaffirm the responsibility that begins at this stage of the vessel’s journey. As we move through the final phase toward delivery, we remain fully committed to achieving the highest standards of safety, quality and performance. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen the close partnership between JMU and BMT, dedicating our utmost efforts to ensuring the long-term success of this vessel.”

Photo: BMT

The programme highlights BMT’s activity across the Asia Pacific region as an independent design and engineering partner to national shipbuilders, prime contractors and defence customers. Its regional credentials include more than three decades of continuous involvement with the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class, today delivered in partnership with BAE Systems Australia under the Anzac Class Design Support Contract and the delivery, with Penguin International, of advanced marine fire and rescue vessels for the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

With significant shipbuilding activity centred in the Asia-Pacific region, BMT has positioned itself – as the largest provider of independent naval design and maritime engineering capability in the region – to serve customers there with a growing portfolio of proven designs and global collaboration in the delivery of new and innovative technology. This is anchored in independent design expertise, long-term partnerships and support across the full capability lifecycle, from design and assurance through to in-service sustainment, in Japan and across the region.