The number of 14 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns was increased from four on the "Tenryū" class to seven on "Kuma": two forward, two on each side of the superstructure and three aft, which meant that only six guns could be brought to bear on a broadside. The torpedo launchers were also increased to four double launchers: however, the "Kuma" class remained highly deficient in anti-aircraft protection, with only two 8 cm/40 3rd Year Type naval guns and two 6.5 mm machine guns.