Japan Navy JS Niyodo Commissioned

JS Niyodo was commissioned into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on 21 May 2025, the seventh Mogami-class multi-mission frigate delivered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The 3,900-tonne design pairs a heavily stealth-shaped hull with a highly automated combat system operated by a crew of about 90, roughly half that of earlier destroyer escorts. Niyodo was reported as the first unit of the class fitted with a 16-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system, extending the class from its original anti-surface and mine countermeasures focus into area air defence and strike roles.