Mogami-class frigate. The Mogami-class frigate (), 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. 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. A total of 22 units was originally planned.

Construction of the class began in 2019 - with a pair to be built each year. 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'". Then in July 2024, MHI unveiled the , 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. MHI plans to deliver all 12 FFM frigates to the JMSDF by 2033. 

In March 2024, it was reported that the Mogami-class frigates will be equipped with VLS systems from FY 2024. The Mogami-class marks the first instalment of a CODAG system on any JMSDF ship.

Design

Operational concept 
On 16 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.

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

30FF
The original intention was to use the 30FF model. The 30FF design looked similar to the United States Navy's  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 , with a max beam of , and a displacement of about . The 30FF design had a planned maximum speed of  and accommodated a crew of about 100.

30DX

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. The vessel has a length of , a breadth of , a standard displacement of  with a full load displacement of about . It has a maximum speed of over . The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.

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. As of 2018, there were plans to install the Type 23 ship-to-air missiles under development on the Mogami class VLS, 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.

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.

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.

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 
Mogami to FFM-10 will be completed without VLS, but the fiscal year 2023 budget includes funding for the acquisition of VLS for ten vessels, and VLS will be installed sequentially.

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. The 30DX design was shown in Sea Air Space 2018, as well as 2019, and Euronaval 2018. The new FFM design was showcased at Indo Pacific 2023 as the 'FMF-AAW'.

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 first batch of ships will be built overseas before transitioning to an Australian build.

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.

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

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.

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. In March 2021, Japan and Indonesia signed a military cooperation agreement, which reinforces the delivery. 

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.

Footnotes

References

External links

 
 
 

Frigate classes
Frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force