 The class is one of the more modern patrol vessel classes designed to intercept North Korean (DPRK) spy boats.These classes are referred to as "High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large" ().The vessels carry a Bofors 40 mm L/70 autocannon with a laser-optical fire-control system, and are able to safely deal with heavily armed spy boats of the DPRK which intrude into Japanese waters.