On today’s date, November 22, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) shipyard carried out the launching of the future JS Yoshii (12), the last stealth frigate making up the new Mogami class destined to equip the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ceremony was held at the facilities the company owns in the city of Nagasaki, where the development, design, and construction of the series of twelve new vessels intended to modernize the Japanese surface fleet took place.
The Mogami are currently constituted as some of the most modern frigates in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, characterized by having a stealth design that displaces in the order of 3,900 tons, with a length of 133 meters and reaching a maximum speed of about 30 knots. The series of ships is part of an order from the Japanese Ministry of Defense for a total of 12 units awarded to the firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and built through its associated shipyards in Nagasaki and Tamano.
Prior to the event featuring the JS Yoshii, during this past July, the launching of the JS Tatsuta took place—the eleventh frigate of the series—which has followed the construction schedule without issues. Since then, it has been advancing in its construction phase and being subjected to different tests in order to finalize its delivery and incorporation into the Self-Defense Maritime Force by the end of Fiscal Year 2026, which ends on March 31, 2027.
Regarding the previous frigates, it is known that MHI is moving forward with the final tests and outfitting process of the JS Natori and JS Nagara, the ninth and tenth units of the class, whose delivery is scheduled for the end of the current year and the beginning of the next, respectively.
Finally, looking toward the next steps for the JS Yoshii, it is scheduled to enter the final phase of equipment integration, focused on its superstructure, in order to proceed with the necessary sea trials before its delivery and commissioning, also set for the end of Fiscal Year 2026. To date, a total of eight ships have already been incorporated into service, assigned to Escort Divisions, namely: JS Mogami, JS Kumano, JS Noshiro, JS Mikuma, JS Yahagi, JS Agano, JS Niyodo, and JS Yubetsu.
Mogami “FFM”: the next evolution of the Mogami class
On the other hand, it must be mentioned that while the Mogami class represents one of Japan’s most modern naval developments, an evolution of the design is on the way, provisionally receiving the designation of “improved FFM frigates” of the Mogami class. According to information released so far, these ships feature greater displacement, dimensions, and combat capabilities, as well as substantial improvements in terms of anti-submarine capabilities, surface warfare, and multi-purpose operations compared to the original Mogami class.
Regarding the latter, during this past March, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency of the Japanese Ministry of Defense (ATLA) awarded two contracts in 2024 to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) valued at US $1.2 billion to begin their construction. It is estimated that the platforms will have an estimated life cycle of 40 years, where the program would encompass a projected investment of US $19.2 billion, setting the delivery of the first improved vessel for the year 2028.
According to what was pointed out by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the new FFM class will have a displacement of 4,880 tons, a hull 142 meters long, and a beam of 17 meters—a figure lower compared to the 17.4 meters of the original Mogami class. Nevertheless, it has also been identified that some characteristics remain, among which the 32-cell MK41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), the Sea RAM short-range defense system, and the capacity to launch eight anti-ship missiles arranged in two quadruple launchers located in the center of the ship, a 127mm main gun, and a phased array radar integrated into its main mast stand out.
Australia selected the FFM Mogami as its future general-purpose frigate
Finally, while Japanese shipyards advanced with their construction, an important development for the future of the class was reported during this past August. In detail, and representing a milestone for Japan’s naval industry, the Australian government confirmed the selection of the Mogami, in its improved variant, to be the successor to the current Anzac frigates, in service with the Royal Australian Navy for decades.
The milestone is significant, as the Japanese stealth frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries prevailed over the German proposal based on the MEKO A-200 class from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to equip the Australian navy with eleven new general-purpose frigates.
Although further details have not been provided, it is expected that the signing of the contracts that will formalize the Australian intent will take place during the coming year 2026, with the expectation that the first three ships will be built in Japan, while the remaining eight will be built in Australia, setting the delivery of the first frigate for 2029 and its incorporation into service in 2030.
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