Sokuten class were light minelayers also suitable as escorts. In 1943-1944, the class was fitted with depth charge racks and their minelaying rails were removed. At the same time, some of their reserve feed water tanks were modified as fuel tanks increasing their range from 2,550 nms to almost 4,000 nms. In 1944, they were fitted with six Type 96 25mm AA guns (2 x 3) that replaced their two 13.2mm MGs.