彈道飛彈防禦，排水量比美國亞里·勃克級大，逼近提康德羅加級飛彈巡洋艦，配備神盾戰鬥系統，日本金剛級護衛艦

金剛級護衛艦（こんごう型護衛艦）是日本海上自衛隊旗下所屬、配備有神盾戰鬥系統的護衛艦，是該單位在1988年時為了提高防空能力，決定引進並導入。本艦級的一號艦金剛號於1993年竣工。金剛級一共建造4艘，除了是海上自衛隊最早配備的神盾艦之外，也是全球除了美國海軍之外最早出現的神盾艦。在護衛艦隊中每1個護衛隊群配備1艘，為艦隊主要的防空中心。
The Kongō class (こんごう型護衛艦, Kongō-gata Goeikan) of guided missile destroyers in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are equipped with the Aegis Combat System, and is the first of few ship classes outside the United States to have that capability. Following a decision made in December 2003, Japan is upgrading their Kongo-class destroyers with Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The upgrade involves a series of installations and flight tests to take place from 2007 to 2010. JS Kongo was the first ship to have the BMD upgrade installed.