Mogami-class frigate

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. In 2015, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF), which they had been developing with their own funds. 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 s and s. In August 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that it would only build 12 ships to the Mogami-class design, and planned to build 12 "new FFM", In July 2024, MHI unveiled the , the formal name for the new FFM. The construction schedule for the "Upgraded Mogami" frigates will start in 2025, with launch of the first two hulls by 2027. MHI plans to deliver all 12 FFM frigates to the JMSDF by 2033. The Mogami-class marks the first installment of a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) system on any JMSDF ship. == Design ==

Operational concept In December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released its guidance, which noted that the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force planned to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers and s with Mogami-class frigates. 30DX The 30DX model was 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. 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), and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helicopter deck. In 2018, there were plans to install the Type 23 ship-to-air missiles under development on the Mogami class VLS. 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. 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. 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. 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. This allows the crew to operate under a Total Ship Crew System (TSCS) where navigation, steering and ship management is centralized into one area. Upgraded Mogami The "Upgraded Mogami" or "New FFM" is an evolution of the original Mogami-class frigates. It has a length of , a beam of , and a standard displacement of . 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. == 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. == Partnerships ==

Australia The FFM design was shortlisted as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's new general purpose frigates. Australia plans to acquire up to eleven frigates. The Mogami design competed 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. MHI displayed the "Upgraded Mogami", previously known as the new FFM, at IODS 2024. In November 2024, the Mogami design was one of the final two designs shortlisted, alongside Germany's MEKO A-200 design. On 28 November 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. In February 2025, the sailed to Australia for joint military drills with Australia, with a port call in the Philippines, in an effort to demonstrate the ship to the Royal Australian Navy. In June 2025, the JS Yahagi docked in Darwin, with JMSDF officers hosting a reception for officers in Royal Australian Navy. In July 2025, Japanese officials conducted a briefing in Canberra, showing the upgraded Mogami and its advantages of being equipped to be interoperable with the US Navy. On 5 August 2025, the New FFM was selected, with the first ship to be delivered in 2029 and operational by 2030. The first 3 FFMs will be built in MHI's shipyards in Japan. It is planned that the following 8 will be built in Henderson Shipyard, WA. Rear Admiral Hughes, Head of Naval Capability RAN, commented at Indo Pacific 2025 that the Australia Mogami frigates would be equipped with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile, instead of the type 17 anti-ship missile. It will be equipped with the Mk 54 lightweight torpedo, SeaRAM, and deploy ESSM in the Mk 41 VLS. == Potential exports ==

Both frigate designs have been showcased at 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. The new FFM design was showcased at Indo Pacific 2023 Indonesia Japan initially planned to export four frigates to Indonesia either on late 2023 or early 2024. Another four were to be built in Indonesia under a ¥300 billion contract under PT PAL. As of mid-2024, no export contract had been signed. The Indonesian Navy instead plans to acquire two Arrowhead 140 frigates and up to six FREMM frigates. New Zealand In October 2025, the Royal New Zealand Navy expressed interest in obtaining the frigate. Talks started in November 2025. == See also ==