 The remaining twelve "Minekaze" ships were modified to be used primarily as convoy escorts, with the removal of the amidship guns and the two aft torpedo mounts.Minesweeping gear on the fantail was replaced by four depth-charge launchers and 36 depth charges.Type 96 25-mm anti-aircraft guns were added in increasing numbers, and eventually totaled between 13 and 20 guns per vessel in a combination of single and twin mounts.