Japan: Third "Mogami" class frigate enters service

The frigate newbuildings of the "Mogami" class are Japan's latest addition to the surface units of the self-defence forces of the Far Eastern island state. They are designed as multi-purpose vessels for the coastal area and for tasks such as humanitarian aid, anti-piracy and, to a limited extent, mine defence. A combined diesel/gas propulsion system (two MAN engines and a Rolls-Royce turbine) is intended to propel the compact vessels (planning designation: 30DX), which are 130 metres long and have a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, to 30 knots.

Japanese Mogami frigate "Kumano" in the middle of 2022. Photo: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Building programme

In mid-December, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki/Kyushu ceremonially commissioned the third construction number with the name "Noshiro". The names of the major Japanese rivers are reserved for all units in this class. Previously, the type ship "Mogami" was commissioned at the same shipyard at the beginning of March 2022, followed only a little later at the end of the month by the number two named "Kumano" - it was built by the subcontractor Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) in Tamano, 300 kilometres from Osaka. The christening and launching of the fourth hull, named "Mikuma", took place in Nagasaki in December last year. The additional number five ordered was floated out there in June and christened "Yahagi". Both are due to enter service next year.