In the very heart of Honshu rise the Southern Japanese Alps, crowned by the Shirane Sanzan massif — three majestic "White Peaks." The main one, Mount Kita, is second in height only to the sacred Fuji, towering over a rugged land of deep gorges, relict meadows, and steep trails that for centuries have served as a pilgrimage site for the mountain ascetics, the yamabushi. In Japanese culture, this snow-capped monolith sheltering Yamanashi Prefecture has always been an object of deep reverence, embodying unwavering resilience and the pristine power of nature. And it was this very spirit of an unyielding stronghold that once left its celestial heights to be reborn in naval steel: passing its proud name to our hero today, the Shirane mountains are embodied in a formidable destroyer destined to carry the majestic grace of the Japanese Alps through ocean storms.
Historical Background
The JS Shirane Aegis is a profound reimagining of the legendary legacy of the Shirane-class destroyers, which have stood guard over maritime borders since the early 1980s. Historically, these ships joined the fleet as outstanding submarine hunters; however, the rapid evolution of naval combat tactics demanded radical changes. In this new concept, the classic philosophy of an agile destroyer seamlessly merges with advanced 21st-century technologies, creating a combat platform on a completely different level.
The core of the modernized ship is the integration of the multifunctional Aegis combat system, turning the destroyer into a key node of network-centric warfare. The foundation of its firepower is adaptive modular weaponry operating in a single loop with versatile, layered air defense systems. Thanks to the latest radar suites, the ship is capable of effectively repelling even the densest and most massive aerial attacks, maintaining 100% combat readiness in any weather, no matter how severe.
A distinct innovation of the project is its unique multi-purpose torpedo autocannons, which have no equal in their class. This unconventional technical solution provides total control over the water element, allowing the ship to neutralize both high-speed surface threats and enemy submarines at lightning speed. As a result, a perfect balance of maneuverability, survivability, and uncompromising high-tech power was achieved, ready for any challenges of modern naval combat.
Gameplay
The gameplay on this Japanese destroyer differs strikingly from the usual playstyle of ships in this class. While most modern destroyers rely on missile or grenade launcher armaments, the JS Shirane Aegis invites you to try on the role of... a cruiser. Yes, a high-speed and multi-purpose one. Of course, the hit points remain on par with a destroyer, but a balanced arsenal of guns, grenade launchers, and missile batteries allows you to successfully destroy any targets.
Special attention should be paid to the smart layout: all main strike weaponry is concentrated in the bow of the hull. This allows you to maximize the effectiveness of hit-and-run tactics, laying down rapid fire from behind cover.
The ship's defense also inspires confidence. Two dual slots for interchangeable air defense systems provide the flexibility to bolster anti-aircraft protection. This defensive line is complemented by the exclusive 23-Type A-SAM-S SAM system and HPLS S-100 laser installations. For anti-submarine warfare, aside from the high-power RUR-5S ASROC grenade launcher, the destroyer is equipped with the unique Type 12 Kai S autocannon, which automatically detects and engages both underwater and surface threats.
Finally, we shouldn't forget about the main feature for which a significant portion of the hull was equipped — the air group. Having two RAH-66 Comanche helicopters on board at once provides excellent reconnaissance and additional protection, allowing you to instantly adapt to the battlefield situation.
Armament
Missile Battery (ASM) — Type 07 SUM [x3]
Cannon — Mark 45 Mod 4 (127 mm) [x2]
Grenade Launcher — RUR-5S ASROC [x2]🔒
Helicopter — RAH-66 Comanche [x1]
Helicopter — RAH-66 Comanche [x1]
Autocannon — Type 12 Kai S [x2]🔒
Air Defense — Sea RAM [x2]
Air Defense — Sea RAM [x2]
Air Defense — HPLS S-100 [x2]🔒
Air Defense — 23-Type A-SAM-S [x2]🔒
Conclusion
The JS Shirane Aegis is an excellent choice for those who value tactical freedom and prefer to dictate their own terms, playing both from a distance and in close-quarters combat. The rich arsenal allows you to realize the most daring ideas, while the ship's appearance will delight aesthetes: it has retained the strict, already classic design of Cold War-era destroyers.