Japan Launches Ninth Mogami-Class Frigate for Maritime Self-Defense Force

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the ninth Mogami-class guided-missile frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The frigate, scheduled to enter service as JS Natori upon commissioning, was launched at MHI's Nagasaki facilities on June 24, according to an announcement by the JMSDF on the same day.

Natori is part of a planned fleet of 12 Mogami-class frigates intended to replace the JMSDF's aging Abukuma-class frigates, which have been operational since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The lead frigate, JS Mogami, entered service in April 2022, followed by JS Kumano in March 2022.

Each Mogami-class vessel has a displacement of approximately 5,500 tonnes at full load, measuring 132 meters in length and 16 meters in beam. The propulsion system features a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) setup comprising two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine, enabling a top speed of 30 knots. The crew complement is around 90 personnel.

Armament includes a BAE Systems 127 mm naval gun as the primary weapon, alongside a vertical launching system (VLS) for Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missiles and two quad launchers for anti-ship missiles. Future plans involve outfitting the Mogami-class with a naval variant of the Type 12 missile to enhance long-range strike capabilities, complementing the JMSDF's existing anti-ship missile arsenal.