The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has officially received its 10th Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate, JS Nagara (FFM-10), from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
The delivery is part of a 2017 contract under which up to 12 Mogami-class frigates will be built to replace the aging Abukuma-class general-purpose destroyer escorts that entered service in the late 1980s. JS Nagara was handed over at MHI’s shipyard in Nagasaki, where seven other vessels of the class have also been constructed.
Following its commissioning, the frigate will join the JMSDF’s 2nd Patrol and Defense Squadron and will be based at Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture, according to Asahi. The handover ceremony was attended by approximately 120 guests, with Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Shinji Yoshida presiding over the event.
Development of the Mogami-class began in 2015 with the objective of creating a compact, multi-role stealth warship capable of performing a broad range of missions. The frigate measures 133 meters (436 feet) in length with a beam of 16 meters (52 feet) and accommodates around 90 personnel. It features facilities for a naval helicopter, unmanned systems, and support boats.
The vessel is equipped with a vertical launch system and deck-mounted launchers capable of firing surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and torpedoes. It also carries mine-laying equipment, remotely operated weapon stations, electronic warfare systems, and a 127mm naval gun. Powered by a combined Rolls-Royce gas turbine and twin large-bore diesel engines generating 70,000 horsepower, the Mogami-class frigate can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h or 35 mph).
