Mitsubishi Heavy Launches Third Mogami-Class Frigate for the Japanese Navy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) launched "Noshiro,” the third Mogami-class (30FFM) 3,900-ton frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), today.

The first ship-in-class, Mogami, was launched in March 2021 by MHI, while subcontractor Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding launched the second ship of the class, Kumano, back in November 2020. MHI will now proceed to the fitting out stage of the frigate, ahead of its delivery and commissioning set for 2022.

A total number of 22 frigates of this class are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

According to MHI, the 30FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters and a beam of 16.3 meters. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

A 30FFM frigate will be fitted with one BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch naval gun system, two Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon Systems, Mk.41 VLS, Raytheon SeaRAM, eight MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles, OPY-2 multifunction radar and OAX-3EO/IR sensors manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar, NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS), UUV (OZZ-5 by MHI) and USV (unknown type) for mine counter measures, and Sea mines for offensive mine warfare.