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JS Mogami (FFM-1) slips into water at launch ceremony at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in ... [+] Nagasaki, Japan on March 3, 2021.
On Wednesday, amidst a flurry of colorful balloons, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the Mogami from its shipyard in Nagasaki—the lead ship of a new class of versatile 30FFM-type multi-role frigates. Due to delays caused by a construction accident, the lead vessel launched four months after the second ship laid down in the class, the Kumano, built in Okayama by Mitsui E&S.
The two frigates, both named after rivers, measure 132 meters long and are scheduled to be commissioned into service March 2022. They integrate a wide variety of sophisticated technologies including a high-tech command center, a stealthy hull and mast designed to reduce visibility on radar, mine-hunting aquatic drones and powerful long-range anti-ship missiles.
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) eventually plans to procure a total of 22 of the stealth escort frigates (also designated “destroyer escorts”) built at a pace of two per year, at an estimated cost of 50 billion yen ($467 million) each. These will eventually replace eight Asagiri- class destroyers of similar weight and six smaller Abukuma -class escorts.
While the new frigates aren’t quite feature complete (more on that below), they compare well with the U.S. Navy’s infamously troubled littoral combat ships (LCS).
The FFM’s priority design features—speed, small crew size, support for unmanned vehicles, and anti-submarine and counter-mine capability—are also characteristics that guided development of LCSs . In fact, MHI’s earlier, more radical design concepts for the 30FFM resembled the Freedom -class LCS in several respects.
MERIETTA, WI - JULY 28: (EDITORS NOTE: IMAGE RELEASED BY U.S. MILITARY PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION) In ... [+] this handout image provided by the U.S. Navy courtesy of Lockheed-Martin, the USS Freedom (LCS 1), the first ship in the Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class, begins Builder's Trials in Lake Michigan July 28, 2008 in Merietta, Wisconsin. Builder's Trials test propulsion, communications, navigation, and mission systems. LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission ship designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The 378-foot future USS Freedom is being designed and built by a Lockheed Martin-led industry team. (Photo by U.S. Navy courtesy of Lockheed-Martin via Getty Images)
To be fair, these ships weren’t designed to fulfill the same operational requirements, and the LCS can attain uniquely high speeds (47 knots) and carry heavier close-defense weaponry compared to the 30FFM. But the more conservative design MHI settled on is only moderately larger—displacing 3,900 tons standard load, compared to 3,400 for a Freedom-class LCS—slightly less expensive, and all-and-all more versatile and heavily armed.
A high degree of automation allows the 30FFM frigates to function with only 90 crew, compared to 220 on an Asagiri -class destroyer—which is important as Japan’s Self Defense Force must cope with a shortage of personnel . The JMSDF plans to rotate four crews between every three frigates.
Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force launching ceremony for escort frigate Kumano (FFM-2) front port ... [+] side. November 19, 2020 at Mitsui E & S Holdings Tamano Factory.
Externally, the ‘clean’, flush surfaces of the 30FFM are designed to minimize radar reflectivity, as is the integrated mast combining the vessel’s radar with its electronic warfare system. MHI also claims it has applied technologies it developed for its X-2 Shinshin stealth jet demonstrator into the frigate, possibly referring to incorporation of radar-absorbent materials (RAM).
The frigate’s reduced radar cross-section doesn’t render it undetectable, but does make it seem like a smaller vessel on radar and reduces the range at which it can be tracked.
Ordinarily, the frigate cruises on two fuel-efficient MAN diesel engines, but a supplementary Rolls Royce MT-30 gas turbine can accelerate the boats to a maximum speed “above 30 knots.” A gearbox developed by Kawasaki facilitates the change in reduction gears necessary when surging power input.
The 30FFM’s Combat Information Center has received special attention for its unique circular arrangement evoking the “open office” bridge of a Star Fleet vessel. In addition to 18 multi-function displays and two tactical tables, an overhead screen displays a 360-degree “augmented reality” view around the ship fusing the vessel’s various sensors.
The frigate relies on an X-Band OPY-2 multi-function radar to detect both aircraft and ships, backed up by an OAX-3 electro-optical/infrared sensor system and a NOLQ-3E electronic warfare system combining a self-defense jammer and electromagnetic sensor. The ship’s command system is designed to transmit and receive sensor data and video feeds to ground-based command centers and maritime patrol aircraft.
For surface warfare, the frigates mount four twin-launchers armed with powerful Type 17 anti-ship missiles weighing three-quarters of a ton each. The subsonic sea-skimming weapons can strike targets up to 248 miles away, initially using GPS and inertial navigation guidance before switching to an AESA radar-seeker for terminal guidance.
For close-range encounters (more likely in peacetime confrontations) the ship also mounts a 127-millimeter Mark 45 naval gun and two remote-controlled .50-caliber machineguns. The ship’s radar can direct these to engage both air and sea targets.
A Japanese Maritime Defense Forces' SH-60K helicopter (L) is seen on the DDH-181 Hyuga warship at ... [+] Harumi pier in Tokyo port on September 2, 2013. US seventh fleet Commander Vice Adm. Robert Thomas and Japan's self-defense fleet commander Vice Adm. Yasushi Matsushita made a joint media appearance as the US seventh fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (pictured in background) made a bi-lateral goodwill visit to Tokyo port. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
For undersea warfare, the 30FFM disposes of three sonars: an OQQ-25 system combining a variable-depth sonar with a towed sonar array for submarine hunting; and a OQQ-11 sonar specialized in detecting mines. The frigate can engage submerged subs with 324-millimeter torpedoes fired from one of its three twin-launchers as well as the SH-60K and L Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters on its flight deck.
Against mines, the frigate can deploy a duo aquatic drones from a docking stations at the ship’s stern. An OZZ-5 submarine drone (or UUV) uses a combination of low- and high-frequency sonars to detect and identify mines; and a separate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) deploys countermeasures to disable the mine.
OZZ-5 autonomous submarine model is seen during the international Trade-show MAST Asia 2019, ... [+] Maritime, Air Systems and Technologies, in Chiba, Tokyo, June 17, 2019, Japan. MAST Asia 2019 will be the sixteenth edition in the event series, the three-day event was sponsored by the Japanese defense, foreign and industry ministries. It brought together of military representatives and industry leaders from across the world, particularly from Southeast Asia. (Photo by Alessandro Di Ciommo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Currently, the 30FFM’s main weakness is limited air-defense capability, with only a single RIM-116 SeaRAM missile launcher overlooking the rear deck in addition to the guns providing short-range (6 miles) protection from incoming missiles and aircraft.
The 30FFMs are actually built to accommodate 16 missile vertical-launch cells that could carry longer-range surface-to-air missiles, but the two lead ships have been delivered without the launchers installed. That means they can’t really protect nearby ships from air attacks, nor help thin out an incoming attack at a distance.
Eventually, Tokyo is supposed to install Mark 41 launchers in the frigates, though that will presumably raise the effective unit price of the ship. These may be loaded with either U.S.-built RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (up to 4 can fit in each Mark 41 cell) or Japanese Type 03 Chu medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and Type 07 anti-submarine missiles; all of which possess ranges exceeding 30 miles.
That would give the 30FFMs local air-defense capability, though even then they may rely on larger vessels equipped with Aegis Combat Systems to provide better radar coverage.
Broadly, the 30FFM frigates are intended to allow the JMSDF to field more ships with the same number of personnel to counter the Chinese’s People’s Liberation Army Navy’s increasing presence and capability in the northwestern Pacific.
Elements of the 30FFM’s design like its stealthy hull, drone support equipment and unique bridge, are likely to make their way into future, larger Japanese warships—at least once their viability has been tested operationally in the less costly frigate.
Tokyo is also reportedly working on an export deal with Jakarta to sell eight 30FFM frigates (four built in Japan, four in Indonesia) and transfer relevant technology for $2.9 billion. If the deal goes through it will mark a breakthrough for Japan’s so far very limited defense export market . It would also further Tokyo’s policy of enhancing the naval capabilities of other Asian navies which oppose China’s sweeping claims to waters across the eastern Pacific.
Meanwhile the U.S. Navy has seemingly given up its interest in similarly-sized littoral combat ships, which continue to be plagued by technical problems severely curbing their usability . For example, despite having begun development nearly two decades ago, the mine-countermeasure and anti-submarine packages have yet to complete testing .
The U.S. Navy is now developing a Constellation -class frigate that’s bigger and more heavily armed than the 30FFM at more than twice the price at an estimated $1.1 billion per ship.
But Japan’s new escort frigates suggest that with a more judicious approach to technological innovation and greater financial discipline, the U.S. Navy could have churned out flexible and hard hitting vessels roughly the size of a littoral combat ship.
Such a vessel might not have included as many exquisite bells and whistles, such as the LCS’s speedy waterjet propulsion system. And of course it would still not be as well protected as an Aegis-equipped missile destroyer. But they might have come out the gate in a useable form—and packing more bang for the taxpayer’s buck.

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Asia Defense Japan Commissions First New Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate

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“The tragic outcome was a brutal wakeup call to Korean democratic movements.”
Notably, the Mogami class will boast the first unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and unmanned surface vehicle (USV) deployed on a Japanese frigate.
The new frigate class is intended for surveillance missions in waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago, including the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
The JMSDF has relied on civilian ships to transport fuel from oil refineries to bases. Now it has its own oil tanker, the first of two.
Submarine-launched missiles could give Tokyo the much-debated “enemy base attack capability.”
When new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the Quad Summit in Tokyo, he will largely signal continuity on Australian foreign policy.
Uneasy with both Russia’s invasion and Western sanctions, India is even more convinced that it must diversify its technology partnerships and develop more homegrown capabilities.
The decline of the Rajapaksas has adversely hit Chinese fortunes in the Indian Ocean island and sullied its image among other Belt and Road partners.
The new president will take the reins at a time of high inflation and monetary tightening in the global financial system.
North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. The China challenge. Social divisions at home. Just two weeks into office, Yoon Suk-yeol has a full plate.
The burden of hosting U.S. military bases continues to be a serious issue for Okinawa, even half a century after its return to Japan.
New infrastructure projects have brought economic opportunity and increased access to health care and education. But they have also exacted a cost.
China’s graduate entrance exam offers hope – and few guarantees. But amid an uncertain future, more and more young Chinese are signing up.
The files, in addition to adding to a mountain of evidence of the abuse and detention of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, include previously secret speeches tying the oppression directly to the top.
Hours after U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up his trip to South Korea and Japan, North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles, including a suspected ICBM.
India received many concessions from the Rajapaksas in recent years and has vested interests in the status quo.
However, the deal left more questions than answers, as Qatar and Turkey were in line to run the airports.

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The Kumano is the first of a planned 22 vessels of the class, which will include capabilities never seen before on a Japanese frigate.
The JMSDF commissioned JS Kumano, the first of a planned fleet of 22 Mogami-class multirole frigates, in a ceremony held on March 22 in Okayama Prefecture in western Japan.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the first of a planned fleet of 22 Mogami-class multirole frigates in a ceremony held on March 22 in Okayama Prefecture in western Japan.
Named Kumano (with pennant number FFM-2), the 132.5 meter-long vessel was inducted into the Mine Warfare Force, whose headquarters is located at the Yokosuka naval base in Kanagawa Prefecture, shortly after being handed over by shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems at its facility in Tamano City.
As neighboring China expands the size and capabilities of its naval forces, Japan plans to defend the southwestern Nansei Islands, including the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, by boosting its patrol activities. The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan.
Equipped with compact hulls, JS Kumano was built for about 46 billion yen ($382 million) under a contract awarded in October 2018, according to the JMSDF. As with the other ships of the class, the 3,900-tonne vessel will have a crew complement of about 90, a beam of 16.3 m, and a hull draught of 9 m.
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Kumano, which was launched in November 2020, is actually the second vessel of the class ordered by service. The first – named Mogami (pennant number FFM-1) – was originally scheduled to also be launched the same month, but construction of the ship at the MHI’s facility in Nagasaki City has been delayed due to issues with the frigate’s gas turbine engine. JS Mogami is expected to enter service with the JMSDF next month.
The JMSDF still regards Kumano as the second of this class, although it was commissioned first. For this reason, Mogami is the na
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