Mogami-class frigate

Operational concept

In December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released its Defense Buildup Program [ja] guidance, which noted that the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force planned to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts with Mogami-class frigates.^[15][3]

The overall intent of the 30DX design was to achieve a modern, frigate-sized vessel with capabilities similar to the Akizuki-class destroyer but with a reduced crew and having only half the VLS cells.^[16]

30FF

The original intention was to use the 30FF model. The 30FF design looked similar to the United States Navy's Freedom-class littoral combat ship with an integrated mast. Its armament included a 5-inch/54-caliber Mark 45 gun, two remote weapon stations between the bridge and main gun, a SeaRAM battery above the helicopter hangar, and an onboard helicopter. The length of this version of the vessel was to be 120 metres (393 ft 8 in), with a max beam of 18 metres (59 ft 1 in), and a displacement of about 3,000 metric tons (3,000 long tons). The 30FF design had a planned maximum speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and accommodated a crew of about 100.^[4][17]

30DX

The 30DX model was chosen to be constructed. The 30DX design, although modern, is more conservative compared to the 30FF's more radical approach. The three main factors for the design change were due to the need for affordability, miniaturization/automation, and multi-mission capabilities.^[4]

The vessel has a length of 130 metres (426 ft 6 in), a breadth of 16 metres (52 ft 6 in), a standard displacement of 3,900 metric tons (3,800 long tons) with a full load displacement of about 5,500 metric tons (5,400 long tons). It has a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).^[18] The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.^[19]

Weapons for the 30DX include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations above the bridge, a 16-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) at the bow, eight anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. Another capability is to deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV),^[20] and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helicopter deck.^[16]

In 2018, there were plans to install the Type 23 ship-to-air missiles under development on the Mogami class VLS.^[21] As of 2023, only Type 07 VLAs will be installed on the VLS. The Type 23 ship-to-air missiles are planned to be installed on the "Upgraded Mogami", for which construction will begin in fiscal year 2024.^[22]

The stealthy design of both models is based on the research and development lessons learned from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin, then: ATD-X, stealth fighter technology demonstrator, as both platforms are designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.^[18][23] Along with stealth capabilities, the frigate emphasizes a high level of automation. This allows the frigate to possess a small crew size of only 90 personnel when compared to the crew complement of other ships of similar size.^[24]

At Sea Air Space 2019, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries revealed their 'Advanced Integrated CIC' for the vessel. It will combine the wheelhouse, the managing and situational awareness room, the engine and power control room, and combat information center within a large 360-degree circular screen wall.^[25] It can display panoramic views around the ship without a blind spot on the screen and will utilize augmented reality technology to discriminate among the objects shown and to navigate the ship.^[24] This allows the crew to operate under a Total Ship Crew System (TSCS) where navigation, steering and ship management is centralized into one area.^[26]

Australia

The FFM design was shortlisted as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's new general purpose frigates.^[55] Australia plans to acquire up to eleven frigates.^[55] The first batch of ships will be built overseas before transitioning to an Australian build.^[56] The Mogami design competed with Germany's MEKO A-200, South Korea’s FFX Batch II/III, and Spain’s Alfa 3000 as proposed entries for RAN's next frigate.^[57]

MHI displayed the "Upgraded Mogami", previously known as the new FFM, at IODS 2024.^[13] The "Upgraded Mogami" frigate represents MHI's proposal for the Royal Australian Navy's general purpose frigate program.^[13] In September 2024, it was announced that Canberra will decide on a frigate model for the GPFP before the end of the year.^[58] In November 2024, the Mogami design was one of the final two designs shortlisted, alongside Germany's MEKO A-200 design.^[59] On 28 November 2024, it was announced that Tokyo will allow Canberra to be involved in joint development and production of the Mogami class, if it is selected to be the new Australian frigate.^[60]

In February 2025, the Noshiro sailed to Australia for joint military drills with Australia, with a port call in the Philippines, in an effort to demonstrate the ship to the Royal Australian Navy.^[61] In June 2025, the JS Yahagi docked in Darwin, with JMSDF officers hosting a reception for officers in Royal Australian Navy.^[62] In July 2025, Japanese officials conducted a briefing in Canberra, showing the upgraded Mogami and its advantages of being equipped to be interoperable with the US Navy.^[63]

On 5 August 2025, the New FFM was selected, with the first ship to be delivered in 2029 and operational by 2030.^[64][65] The first 3 FFMs will be built in MHI's shipyards in Japan. It is planned that the following 8 will be built in Henderson Shipyard, WA.^[66] Rear Admiral Hughes, Head of Naval Capability RAN, commented at Indo Pacific 2025 that the Australia Mogami frigates would be equipped with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile, instead of the type 17 anti-ship missile. It will be equipped with the Mk 54 lightweight torpedo, SeaRAM, and deploy ESSM in the Mk 41 VLS. ^[67]

Indonesia

Japan initially planned to export four frigates to Indonesia either on late 2023 or early 2024.^[70] Another four were to be built in Indonesia under a ¥300 billion contract under PT PAL.^[71][70] In March 2021, Japan and Indonesia signed a military cooperation agreement, which increased speculation that the Mogami-class frigate would be exported to Indonesia.^[72] As of mid-2024, no export contract had been signed. The Indonesian Navy instead plans to acquire two Arrowhead 140 frigates and up to six FREMM frigates.^[73]

New Zealand

In October 2025, the Royal New Zealand Navy expressed interest in obtaining the frigate.^[74] Talks started in November 2025.^[75]

Equivalent frigates of the same era

• FF(X), US
• Chungnam class, South Korea
• FDI, France
• Tamandaré class, Brazil
• Miguel Malvar class, Philippines
• Istanbul class, Turkey
• Type 31, UK