On the morning of May 21, the official handover and commissioning ceremony of the seventh of the new Mogami-class stealth frigates was held, marking its formal entry into service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The event, which was attended by high-ranking naval and ministerial officials, marked the latest milestone achieved by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) under the construction program for ten (10) new frigates.
Officially named JS Niyodo (FFM-7), the frigate is the seventh vessel of the new class built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and its subsidiaries, specifically at facilities located in Nagasaki and Okayama, the latter belonging to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd.
Among the notable features of JS Niyodo is the fact that it was officially launched in late September 2023, after which it underwent extensive port and sea trials before being delivered to the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
It is also important to highlight that JS Niyodo is the first Mogami-class vessel to be equipped with the new Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), a feature it will share with the eighth vessel, designated JS Yubetsu. Looking ahead, this system will also be retrofitted onto the six previously built and already commissioned ships.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, JS Niyodo was originally scheduled for delivery and commissioning in 2024. However, the timeline was delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected Japan as well as the rest of the world.
With its commissioning now complete, the stealth frigate will be assigned to the JMSDF’s 12th Escort Division, based at Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Meanwhile, progress continues on the integration of the eighth vessel, the aforementioned JS Yubetsu, as well as on the construction of the ninth and tenth ships, JS Natori and JS Nagara, respectively. These were launched in mid and late 2024, and their deliveries are expected—barring any changes—to take place by the end of 2025 and in March 2026.
Finally, there are no confirmed reports yet as to whether the Japanese Ministry of Defense will exercise the option to acquire two additional Mogami-class vessels, which would bring the total to twelve new stealth frigates. In parallel, plans are underway to begin construction of a new series of vessels, representing an improved and expanded-capability version of the Mogami class, with deliveries projected to begin in 2028.
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