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.[9] In 2015, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF), which they had been developing with their own funds.[4][10]
Construction of the class began in 2019 - with a pair to be built each year.[11] 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'".[12] 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.[13] MHI plans to deliver all 12 FFM frigates to the JMSDF by 2033.[13]
In March 2024, it was reported that the Mogami-class frigates will be equipped with VLS systems from FY 2024.[14] The Mogami-class marks the first instalment of a CODAG system on any JMSDF ship.[5]
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.[16]
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.[4] 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).[18] The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30gas turbine.[19]
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, eight 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),[20] and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helicopter deck.[16] As of 2018, there were plans to install the Type 23 ship-to-air missiles under development on the Mogami class VLS,[21] 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.[22]
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.[18][23] 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.[24]
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.[24] This allows the crew to operate under a Total Ship Crew System (TSCS) where navigation, steering and ship management is centralized into one area.[25]
Upgraded Mogami
The "Upgraded Mogami" or "New FFM" 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).[1][2] 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.[13][1]
Ships in the class
The budget for the procurement of VLS is allocated separately from the budget for the construction of the vessels, with the supplementary budget for FY2021 allocated for the procurement of two VLS and the budget for FY2023 allocated for the procurement of 10 VLS. As a result, the VLS will gradually be installed on vessels from JS Mogami to JS Agano that were not equipped with VLS when they entered service.[26]
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.[17][23] The 30DX design was shown in Sea Air Space 2018, as well as 2019, and Euronaval 2018.[16][52] The new FFM design was showcased at Indo Pacific 2023[2] as the 'FMF-AAW'.[53]
Australia
The FFM design was shortlisted as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's new general purpose frigates.[54] Australia plans to acquire up to eleven frigates.[54] The first batch of ships will be built overseas before transitioning to an Australian build.[55]
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.[56]
MHI showcased the "Upgraded Mogami", previously known as the new FFM, at IODS 2024.[13] The "Upgraded Mogami" frigate represents MHI's proposal for the Royal Australian Navy's general purpose frigate program.[13] In September 2024, it was announced that Canberra will decide on a frigate model for the GPFP before the end of the year.[57] The Mogami design was one of the final two designs (alongside Germany's MEKO A-200 design) shortlisted in November 2024.[58]
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.[59]
On February 12, 2025, the Noshiro will sail to Australia for joint military drills with Australia with a port call in the Philippines in an effort to showcase the ship to the Royal Australian Navy.[60]
Indonesia
Japan initially planned to export four frigates to Indonesia either on late 2023 or early 2024.[61] Another four were to be built in Indonesia under a ¥300 billion contract under PT PAL.[62][61] In March 2021, Japan and Indonesia signed a military cooperation agreement, which increased speculation that the Mogami-class frigate would be exported to Indonesia.[63]
^"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.
^"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). 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
^"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 4 March 2023.
^"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). 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
^"令和２年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催"(PDF). Kyushu Defense Bureau. 24 June 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
^"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" [Mogami-class destroyer FFM-8 named "Yubetsu" -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems holds naming and launching ceremony at Tamano Headquarters Factory]. Funeco (in Japanese). 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
^ abc"令和３年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催"(PDF). Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
^"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" [Hokkaido residents rejoice!? New escort ship "Yubetsu" launched, the first Mogami-class ship with a four-letter name] (in Japanese). 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
^"Japan and Germany shortlisted for Australia's next warship program". ABC News. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2024. 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.
