In March of this year, Japan’s Ministry of Defense Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) awarded two contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the construction of new vessels for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). These contracts, valued at approximately USD 1.03 billion, were officially signed on May 9 and include the construction of two new “FFM” frigates — an improved version of the Mogami class — and a new replenishment vessel of 14,500 tons displacement.
According to ATLA, the contracts originally awarded to MHI in March reflect Japan’s ongoing naval modernization efforts. One of the contracts, worth approximately USD 493 million, covers the construction of a new replenishment ship intended to enhance the JMSDF’s at-sea logistical support capabilities. The second contract, valued at USD 545 million, is for the development of two new stealth frigates, designated as “06FFM.” These vessels will feature significant upgrades in anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and multi-mission capabilities compared to the original Mogami-class frigates.
New “New FFM” Improved Frigates
In April, ATLA revealed the first details about this new class, highlighting Japan’s intention to procure at least 12 of these ships by 2032. The estimated lifecycle of each vessel is 40 years, with the overall program projected to cost USD 19.2 billion. The 2024 budget allocated USD 1.2 billion to begin construction of the first two frigates, which are expected to enter service in 2028. Notably, during the Indo Pacific 2024 exposition, comparative models of both versions were showcased, visually emphasizing the differences between a standard Mogami-class frigate and the new FFM generation.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the new FFM-class frigates will have a displacement of 4,880 tons, a hull length of 142 meters, and a beam reduced to 17 meters, compared to the 17.4 meters of the preceding class. It is expected that, following the delivery of the 12th Mogami-class frigate between 2027 and 2028, MHI will begin construction of the new FFMs.
However, during the 2024 Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference (IODS24), where the new class was also presented, it was confirmed that some features will remain unchanged — such as the 32-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), a SeaRAM CIWS for close-in defense, eight anti-ship missiles housed in two quad launchers amidships, a 127 mm main gun, and a phased-array radar integrated into a single mast structure.
Simultaneously, the Japanese government is also promoting the export of this improved version as a contender in the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 3000 program, which aims to replace the Anzac-class frigates. The New FFM is competing against other proposals, such as the German TKMS MEKO A-200 design.
New Replenishment Ship
As mentioned, MHI has also been contracted to build a new replenishment ship. This vessel is intended to bolster the JMSDF’s at-sea logistical capabilities and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that this new vessel will replace the JS Towada (AOE-422).
In April, ATLA also announced plans to acquire five new logistical support vessels by 2036. Each is expected to have a 40-year service life, and the fleet’s total lifecycle cost is estimated at USD 6.7 billion. Currently, the JMSDF operates five replenishment ships: three from the Towada class and two from the Mashu class. However, the new design will feature a standard displacement of 14,500 tons, significantly exceeding the 8,100 tons of the Towada class and the 13,500 tons of the Mashu class, making it the largest logistics support ship ever built for the JMSDF.
*Cover photo: credit to respective owner.
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For once the ADF and the AU Government have got it right. The upgraded Mogami was clearly the best option and what we need. My fear however, is they will just fuck it up down the line.
They have failed miserably with regard to every Naval purchase since the French subs and ending the Hobart Destroyer program. If they had continued the Hobart program, we would have 6 in the water by now and by the end of the 2020’s probably 9 and we would not need the fat stupid and grossly over expensive Hunters AND we would have an active mature capital ship building capacity in Australia.
However, the Mogami’s are very short on CIWS so if they would just loose the SeaRam (the ship has 32VLS now, so its not needed) in lieu of a 20mm Phalanx and upgrade the midships 50cal auto-cannons to Typhon Mk30C (to address drome attacks) with a couple of manned 50cal’s beside the bridge, we could have a good ship.
Oh and we need to buy 4 x Korean KSS-111 subs as a stop gap and in case/when the AUKUS subs fail to arrive.