Japan’s ninth Mogami-class stealth frigate hits the water

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the future JS Natori, the ninth of a planned 12 Mogami-class stealth frigates ordered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), at its Nagasaki facilities on Monday, June 24. The ship is scheduled for delivery and commissioning in 2025.

The Mogami-class frigates were developed in response to the JMSDF’s need for multi-role surface combatants to replace the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that were originally designed in the 1980s. The newer frigates also needed to possess nearly similar capabilities as the Akizuki-class destroyers but with smaller crew complements and fewer missile launchers.

Like its sisters, the future Natori will measure 130 by 16 metres and displace approximately 5,500 tonnes at full load. Power will be provided by a Rolls-Royce gas turbine and two MAN diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) arrangement to deliver speeds in excess of 30 knots. Armament will include a 127mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, machine guns on remote weapon stations, and mines.

The Mogami-class ships will be used on patrol and surveillance missions. Their area of operations will also include the East China Sea, particularly the waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.