Mogami-class (30FFM)

The Mogami class of multi-mission stealth frigates was designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan. The program originated from a 2015 defense budget allocation to study a compact-hull vessel with multi-functional capabilities. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding were selected by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency in 2017 to construct the frigates, replacing the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts. While initial plans called for 22 vessels, the Japanese Ministry of Defense adjusted the target in 2023 to build 12 Mogami-class ships and 12 Upgraded Mogami frigates.

The design of the Mogami class incorporates stealth technologies derived from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin technology demonstrator and emphasizes ship automation. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel and gas configuration, utilizing a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engines. Standard armament includes a 5-inch Mark 45 naval gun, two remote weapon stations, eight Type 17 anti-ship missiles, a SeaRAM launcher, and Type 12 torpedoes. A 16-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching System is being retrofitted to the ships to deploy Type 07 vertical-launch anti-submarine rockets. A rear ramp beneath the helicopter deck allows the deployment and recovery of sea mines, unmanned underwater vehicles, and unmanned surface vehicles. Operations are managed from an Advanced Integrated Combat Information Center, which centralizes the wheelhouse, combat systems, and engine controls inside a 360-degree circular screen utilizing augmented reality. The Upgraded Mogami variant features an improved radar and an expanded 32-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching System to deploy Type 23 ship-to-air missiles.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioned the first two ships, JS Mogami and JS Kumano, in 2022. Ten vessels of the class were completed by mid-2026. In international operations, JS Noshiro conducted joint drills in Australia and visited the Philippines in February 2025, and JS Yahagi visited Darwin in June 2025. In August 2025, the Royal Australian Navy selected the Upgraded Mogami design for its general-purpose frigate program. Contracts for the first three Australian frigates were signed in Melbourne on 18 April 2026 with the Japanese government and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will build them in Japan for first delivery in December 2029; the remaining eight are to be constructed at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. The award is Japan's first major warship export. These Australian variants will be equipped with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile, Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, SeaRAM, and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. The Upgraded Mogami is one of two designs shortlisted by the Royal New Zealand Navy to replace its Anzac-class frigates, alongside the Type 31, and has been offered to the Indonesian Navy.