The Tachikaze class destroyer is a second generation Guided missile destroyer, formerly in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ships of this class have had successive improvements after their completion, especially to their C4I systems. These air-defense warships are the natural successor to the first generation air-defense ship, the Amatsukaze-class destroyer, and they were in turn, followed by newer air-defense ships, the Hatakaze class. The ships of the Tachikaze class were decommissioned beginning in 2007.