Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has successfully launched the final unit of the JMSDF’s Mogami-class frigate program, completing the 12-ship series at its Nagasaki shipbuilding facility.
The newly launched JS Yoshii (FFM-12) takes its name from the Yoshii River in Okayama Prefecture and represents the last vessel under a ¥58.3 billion ($371 million) contract awarded by Japan’s defense ministry in February 2024. The launch comes just over a year after the agreement was signed.
First initiated in 2019, the Mogami-class frigates are intended to modernize Japan’s surface fleet by replacing the legacy Abukuma-class. Since the induction of the lead ship in April 2022, eight frigates have entered operational service, while the remaining three vessels launched earlier are progressing through final outfitting and systems integration.
The multi-role stealth frigates are approximately 133 meters long, displace up to 4,000 metric tons, and are designed for operations with a reduced crew of around 90 sailors. Capable of speeds near 30 knots, their combat systems include a 127mm naval gun, missile systems for air and surface defense, anti-submarine warfare weapons, torpedoes, and mine-warfare capabilities.
