Mogami-class frigate

Class overview
NameMogami class
Builders
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded byAbukuma class
Succeeded byFFM frigate
Cost¥50.0 billion (2017 estimate)[1] ($450 million at 2017 exchange rate)
Built2019–present
In commission2022–2027 (planned)
Planned22
Building4
Completed6
Cancelled10
General characteristics
TypeFrigate
Displacement
  • 3,900 tons standard
  • 5,500 tons full load
Length133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam16.3 m (53 ft 6 in)
Propulsion
Speedover 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew90
Sensors and
processing systems
  • OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar)
  • OAX-3(EO/IR)
  • OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS) - ASW
  • OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar)
  • OYQ-1 (Combat management system)
  • OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare
& decoys		NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilitiesSingle hangar

The Mogami-class frigate (Japanese: もがみ型護衛艦, romanized: Mogami-gata-goei-kan), also known as 30FFM, 30FF, 30DX, or 30DEX, is a Japanese multi-mission stealth frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Development

In 2015, the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new "compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities", as well as a new radar system for the destroyer.[3] In 2015, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they had been developing with their own funds.[1][4]

In August 2017, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) selected MHI and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding as the prime contractor and subcontractor to construct the frigate. The agency selected a completely new design of the vessel (30DX), replacing the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts.[1] A total of 22 units was originally planned.

Construction of the class began in 2019, with a pair to be built each year.[5] However, it was subsequently decided to build only 12 ships.

In January 2023, ATLA announced the "Guidelines for Recruiting Applicants for the 'Plan Proposal Contract for the New FFM'".[6] Then in July 2024, MHI unveiled the "Upgraded Mogami", the formal name for the new FFM. Construction schedule for the "Upgraded Mogami" frigates will start in 2025, with launch of the first two hulls by 2027.[7] MHI plans to deliver all 12 FFM frigates to the JMSDF by 2033.[7]

In March 2024, it is reported that the Mogami-class frigates will be equipped with VLS systems from FY 2024.[8]

Design

Operational concept

On 16 December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released its Defense Buildup Program [ja] guidance, which noted that the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force planned to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts with Mogami-class frigates.[9]

The overall intent of the 30DX design was to achieve a modern frigate-sized vessel with capabilities similar to the Akizuki-class destroyer but with a reduced crew and having only half the VLS cells.[10]

30FF

The original intention was to use the 30FF model. The 30FF design looked similar to the United States Navy's Freedom-class littoral combat ship with an integrated mast. Its armament included a 5-inch/54-caliber Mark 45 gun, two remote weapon stations between the bridge and main gun, a SeaRAM battery above the helicopter hangar, and an onboard helicopter. The length of this version of the vessel was to be 120 metres (393 ft 8 in), with a max beam of 18 metres (59 ft 1 in), and a displacement of about 3,000 metric tons (3,000 long tons). The 30FF design had a planned maximum speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and accommodated a crew of about 100.[1][11]

30DX

A 3D concept rendering of the 30DX frigate

The 30DX model was eventually chosen to be constructed. The 30DX design, although modern, is more conservative compared to the 30FF's more radical approach. The three main factors for the design change were due to the need for affordability, miniaturization/automation, and multi-mission capabilities.[1] The vessel has a length of 130 metres (426 ft 6 in), a breadth of 16 metres (52 ft 6 in), a standard displacement of 3,900 metric tons (3,800 long tons) with a full load displacement of about 5,500 metric tons (5,400 long tons). It has a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).[12] The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.[13]

Weapons for the 30DX include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations above the bridge, a 16-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) at the bow, 8 anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. Another capability is to deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV),[14] and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helo deck.[10] As of 2018, there were plans to install the Type 23 ship-to-air missiles under development on the Mogami class VLS,[15] but as of 2023, only Type 07 VLAs will be installed on the VLS. The Type 23 ship-to-air missiles are planned to be installed on the "Upgraded Mogami", for which construction will begin in fiscal year 2024.[16]

The stealthy design of both models is based on the research and development lessons learned from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin, then: ATD-X, stealth fighter technology demonstrator, as both platforms are designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.[12][17] Along with stealth capabilities, the frigate emphasizes a high level of automation. This allows the frigate to possess a small crew size of only 90 personnel when compared to the crew complement of other ships of similar size.[18]

At Sea Air Space 2019, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries revealed their 'Advanced Integrated CIC' for the vessel. It will combine the wheelhouse, the managing and situational awareness room, the engine and power control room, and combat information center within a large 360-degree circular screen wall. It can display panoramic views around the ship without a blind spot on the screen, and will utilize augmented reality technology to discriminate among the objects shown and to navigate the ship.[18]

Upgraded Mogami

The "Upgraded Mogami" or "New FFM [ja]" is an evolution of the original Mogami-class frigates. It has a length of 142 metres (465 ft 11 in), a beam of 17 metres (55 ft 9 in) and a standard displacement of 4,880 metric tons (4,800 long tons). The "Upgraded Mogami" will have an improved radar and a 32-cell Mark 41 VLS, an additional 16-cells compared to the earlier Mogami frigates.[7]

Ships in the class

Mogami to FFM-10 will be completed without VLS, but the FY2023 budget includes funding for the acquisition of VLS for 10 vessels, and VLS will be installed sequentially.[19]

Hull No. Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Builder
FFM-1 JS Mogami 29 Oct 2019 3 Mar 2021 [20] 28 Apr 2022 [21][22] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-2 JS Kumano 30 Oct 2019 19 Nov 2020 22 Mar 2022 [23] Mitsui E&S (Tamano)[a]
FFM-3 JS Noshiro 15 Jul 2020 22 Jun 2021 [25] 15 Dec 2022 [26] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-4 JS Mikuma 15 Jul 2020 10 Dec 2021 7 Mar 2023 [27][28] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-5 JS Yahagi 24 Jun 2021[29] 23 Jun 2022 [30] 21 May 2024 [31] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-6 JS Agano 21 Dec 2022 [32] 20 Jun 2024[33] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-7 JS Niyodo 30 Jun 2022 [34] 26 Sep 2023 [35][36] Dec 2024 [37] MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-8 JS Yūbetsu[38] 30 Aug 2022 [39] 14 Nov 2023 [39][40] Mar 2025 [39] MHI (Tamano)[41]
FFM-9 JS Natori[42] 6 Jul 2023 24 Jun 2024 [43] Dec 2025 MHI (Nagasaki)[43]
FFM-10 JS Nagara 19 Dec 2024 Mar 2026 MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-11 TBD TBA Dec 2026 MHI (Nagasaki)
FFM-12 TBD Mar 2027 MHI (Nagasaki)
  Planned date

Export

Both frigate designs have been showcased in four naval exhibitions to attract potential export customers. The 30FF was shown in PACIFIC 2015 as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's SEA5000 ASW Frigate Program and on display again at Sea Air Space 2017.[11][17] The 30DX design was shown in Sea Air Space 2018, as well as 2019, and Euronaval 2018.[10][44] The new FFM design was showcased at Indo Pacific 2023 as the 'FMF-AAW'.[45]

Australia

The FFM design was shortlisted as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's new general purpose frigates.[46] Australia plans to acquire up to eleven frigates.[46] The first batch of ships will be built overseas before transitioning to an Australian build.[47]

The Mogami design is competing with Germany's MEKO A-200, South Korea’s FFX Batch II/III, and Spain’s Alfa 3000 as proposed entries for RAN's next frigate.[48]

MHI showcased the "Upgraded Mogami", previously known as the new FFM, at IODS 2024.[7] The "Upgraded Mogami" frigate represents MHI's proposal for the Royal Australian Navy's general purpose frigate program.[7] In September 2024, it was announced that Canberra will decide on a frigate model for the GPFP before the end of the year.[49] The Mogami design was one of the final two designs (alongside Germany's MEKO A-200 design) shortlisted in November 2024.[50]

On November 28, 2024, it was announced that Tokyo will allow Canberra to be involved in joint development and production of the Mogami class if it is selected to be the new Australian frigate.[51]

Indonesia

Japan initially planned to export four frigates to Indonesia either on late 2023 or early 2024.[52] Another four were to be built in Indonesia under a ¥300 billion contract under PT PAL.[53][52] In March 2021, Japan and Indonesia signed a military cooperation agreement, which reinforces the delivery.[54]

However, as of mid-2024, no export contract had been signed for the Mogami-class frigate, with the Indonesian Navy instead acquiring two Arrowhead 140 frigates and up to six FREMM frigates.[55]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems took over Mitsui maritime business during the construction of the ship[24]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mogami class frigates.
  1. ^ a b c d e "Japan's ATLA Selected MHI & Mitsui to build 30DX Surface Combatant for JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  2. ^ "Japan's MHI Launches 7th Mogami-class Frigate for JMSDF". 26 September 2023.
  3. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2015 Budget" (PDF). Japan Ministry of Defense. January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  4. ^ "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveiled 30FF or DEX Next Generation Vessel Concept for the JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  5. ^ "Acquisition Program Analysis and Evaluation Report (New frigate)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 31 August 2018. pp. 27–28.
  6. ^ "「 新 型 Ｆ Ｆ Ｍ に 係 る 企 画 提 案 契 約 」 の 参 加 希 望 者 募 集 要 領" [Guidelines for recruiting applicants for the “Plan Proposal Contract Concerning the New FFM”] (PDF) (in Japanese). Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e Luck, Alex. ""Upgraded Mogami Class" is the New "New FFM", with Japan Aiming for Australian "Tier 2"-Requirement". Naval News. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Japan's Mogami-class Frigates Will Start Getting VLS in FY 2024". 15 March 2024.
  9. ^ Yoshihiro Inaba (3 January 2023). "Japan To Increase The Number Of Aegis Destroyers". NavalNews. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  10. ^ a b c "SAS 2018: Japan's MHI Showcasing 30DX Multi-Mission Frigate Design". Navy Recognition. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  11. ^ a b DefenseWebTV (5 April 2017). "Sea-Air-Space 2017 Day 3 / Part 1 - International Presence & US Naval Technology". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  12. ^ a b DefenseWebTV (12 April 2018). "Sea-Air-Space 2018 Day 3 - JMSDF 30DX - Zodiac H-1300 - MARTAC Mantas - HII LX(R) - Airbus VSR700". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  13. ^ "Rolls-Royce MT30 Gas Turbine to Power Japan's New 30FFM Frigate". Navy Recognition. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  14. ^ Inaba, Yoshihiro (August 31, 2021). "New USV for Japan's Mogami-class FFM Frigate Breaks Cover". www.navalnews.com.
  15. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (2 November 2018). "MHI to build two new multirole frigates for JMSDF". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  16. ^ "見えてきた「もがみ型護衛艦の"次"」＝売る気満々!? 海自新型FFMの"ファミリー構想"とは？" [The “Next” of the Mogami class destroyers is ready to be sold! What is the “family concept” of the new FFM of the Maritime Self-Defense Force?] (in Japanese). Norimono News. 22 November 2023. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  17. ^ a b "PACIFIC 2015: Pictures of the Contenders for the Australian Navy SEA5000 ASW Frigate Program". Navy Recognition. 10 October 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  18. ^ a b "JMSDF Future Frigate To Feature Futuristic 360° Augmented Reality Wall". Naval News. 28 May 2019.
  19. ^ "「後日装備」となっているもがみ型護衛艦のVLS、いつになったら装備されるのか？酒井海上幕僚長に聞いた" (in Japanese). Yahoo Japan News. 6 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024.
  20. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (3 March 2021). "Japan's MHI launches second 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigate for JMSDF". Janes. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  21. ^ 護衛艦「もがみ」の引渡式・自衛艦旗授与式について 2022年4月21日 海上幕僚監部
  22. ^ "海上自衛隊の最新鋭護衛艦「もがみ」三菱重工長崎で就役 配備は横須賀" [MSDF's state-of-the-art destroyer “Mogami” commissioned at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki, deployed to Yokosuka]. 乗りものニュース (in Japanese). 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  23. ^ 護衛艦「くまの」の引渡式・自衛艦旗授与式について2022年3月18日 海上幕僚監部
  24. ^ 三菱重工業 (2021-09-28). "艦艇・官公庁船の新事業会社「三菱重工マリタイムシステムズ」が10月1日から営業開始". 三菱重工業. Archived from the original on 2022-06-24. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  25. ^ "launch ceremony held for FY Reiwa 1 planned multirole frigate" (PDF). www.mod.go.jp.
  26. ^ "護衛艦「のしろ」の引渡式・自衛艦旗授与式について" [Conveyance Ceremony and Self-Defense Flag Ceremony for the destroyer “Noshiro"] (PDF). Ministry of Defense.
  27. ^ "護衛艦「みくま」の引渡式・自衛艦旗授与式について,2023年3月3日,海上幕僚監部" [Concerning the delivery ceremony of the destroyer “MIKUMA” and the ceremony of awarding the self-defense flag, March 3, 2023, Maritime Staff Office] (PDF) (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-03-04.
  28. ^ "最新護衛艦「みくま」就役 配備先は長崎・佐世保 海上自衛隊期待のルーキー" [The newest destroyer “MIKUMA” was commissioned and deployed to Sasebo, Nagasaki]. 乗りものニュース (in Japanese). 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
  29. ^ "令和２年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催" (PDF). 九州防衛局. 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
  30. ^ Vavasseur, Xavier (23 June 2022). "Japan's MHI Launches 'Yahagi' 「やはぎ」Fifth FFM Mogami-Class Frigate For JMSDF". Naval News. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  31. ^ "護衛艦「やはぎ」の引渡式・自衛艦旗授与式について,2024年5月29日,海上幕僚監部". Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  32. ^ "令和２年度計画護衛艦の命名式・進水式について" (PDF) (Press release). 海上幕僚監部. 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  33. ^ "Japan commissions sixth Mogami-class frigate". Jane's. 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  34. ^ "令和３年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催" (PDF). 九州防衛局. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  35. ^ "令和３年度計画護衛艦の命名式・進水式について" (PDF) (Press release). 海上幕僚監部. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
  36. ^ "もがみ型護衛艦FFM-7、「によど」と命名 三菱重工 長崎造船所で進水式". 26 September 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
  37. ^ "早くも7隻目！ 海自の次世代護衛艦「によど」進水 FFMもがみ型 就役はいつ？". Yahoo Japan. 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
  38. ^ "もがみ型護衛艦FFM-8、「ゆうべつ」と命名 三菱重工マリタイムシステムズ 玉野本社工場で命名・進水式". 14 November 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  39. ^ a b c "令和３年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催" (PDF). 中国四国防衛局. 2022-12-23. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  40. ^ "北海道民は歓喜!? 新型護衛艦「ゆうべつ」進水 4文字名はもがみ型で初". 14 November 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  41. ^ Vavasseur, Xavier (2023-11-14). "Japan's MHI Launches 'Yubetsu' 「ゆうべつ」Eigth [sic] FFM Mogami-Class Frigate For JMSDF". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  42. ^ "令和4年度防衛関係予算のポイント" (PDF).
  43. ^ a b "Lancement de la 9ème frégate japonaise du type Mogami | Mer et Marine". www.meretmarine.com (in French). 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  44. ^ "Euronaval 2018: Mitsubishi from Japan new concept of Future Multi-Mission Frigate". Navy Recognition. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  45. ^ Luck, Alex. "Japan's MHI Shows 'New FFM' Frigate At Indopacific 2023". Naval News. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  46. ^ a b Takahashi, Kosuke. "Australia Lists Japan's Mogami Class as 1 of 4 Contenders for Its Next Frigate". The Diplomat. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  47. ^ "Australia's new navy: The Japanese option". Lowy Institute. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  48. ^ "Australia to more than double naval surface fleet, grow defense budget". 28 February 2024.
  49. ^ "Japanese Government Tells Australia of Willingness to Cooperate in Building Warships; New Model Based on Mogami-Class Frigate". The Japan News. The Yomiuri Shimbun. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  50. ^ "Japan and Germany shortlisted for Australia's next warship program". ABC News. 2024-11-07. Retrieved 2024-11-07. On Thursday evening multiple sources told the ABC that cabinet's National Security Committee (NSC) had this week chosen Japan's upgraded Mogami 30FFM and Germany's MEKO A-200 as the final two designs ahead of a final selection next year.
  51. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (29 November 2024). "Japan allows joint development and production of Australia's new general purpose frigates by bidding with New FFM". Naval News. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  52. ^ a b "Japan Could Deliver 8 Cutting-Edge Frigates to Indonesia". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  53. ^ "Japan plans to export MSDF destroyer to Indonesia". The Japan Times. 5 November 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-11-25. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  54. ^ "Japan could deliver eight Mogami-class stealth frigates to Indonesia". 5 April 2021.
  55. ^ Hill, John. "Fincantieri constructs two PPAs for Indonesia in €1.18bn deal". Naval Technology. Retrieved 26 July 2024.