Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has delivered JS Nagara (FFM-10), the 10th Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate, to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The handover forms part of Japan’s 2017 procurement program to build as many as 12 Mogami-class frigates as replacements for the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that have been in service since the late 1980s. JS Nagara was constructed at MHI’s Nagasaki shipyard, which has produced the majority of the vessels in the class.
After entering service, the frigate will be assigned to the JMSDF’s 2nd Patrol and Defense Squadron and stationed at Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture, Asahi reported. Around 120 guests attended the delivery ceremony, which was led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Shinji Yoshida.
The Mogami-class program was launched in 2015 to develop a compact, stealth-enabled warship with enhanced multi-mission capabilities. Measuring 133 meters (436 feet) long and 16 meters (52 feet) wide, the frigate accommodates approximately 90 crew members and includes facilities for helicopter operations, unmanned platforms, and support craft.
Its armament includes a vertical launch system and deck-mounted launchers capable of deploying surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, along with anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes. The ship is further equipped with mine-laying systems, remote weapon stations, electronic warfare equipment, and a 127mm naval gun. Propulsion is provided by a combined Rolls-Royce gas turbine and twin large-bore diesel engines producing 70,000 horsepower, enabling the frigate to achieve a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h or 35 mph).
