Japan selects larger frigate type for Mogami class's successor

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's second Mogami-class frigate, JS Kumano , seen here while it was at the Changi Naval Base for the IMDEX 2023 naval exhibition. The country is acquiring a larger frigate type in a follow-on programme to the class. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Japan has selected a larger frigate design for a follow-on programme to the country's Mogami-class frigate.

Proposals for the larger warship were put forward by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), which has been selected as the main contractor for the programme.

The company's proposal was selected following a multistage evaluation process, according to an announcement released by the Japanese Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) on 25 August.

While MHI has been appointed the prime contractor, another local shipyard, Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC), has been selected as the secondary contractor for the programme.

The new warship class will feature a heavier standard displacement of about 4,880 tonnes, a greater overall length of about 142 m, and a wider overall beam of about 17 m, according to details released by ATLA in its 25 August announcement.

In comparison, the Mogami class has an overall length of 132.5 m, an overall beam of 16.3 m, and displaces about 3,900 tonnes at standard loads.

However, in terms of armaments, the new frigates will feature largely the same weapon systems as the Mogami class, according to details published by ATLA in its announcement.

These include a 127 mm naval gun as the primary weapon, anti-surface missile launchers amidships, a vertical launching system (VLS) in the forward section, and a SeaRAM close-in weapon system (CIWS) turret in the aft section.