Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the 12th and final Mogami-class frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), marking a major milestone in Japan’s modern surface combatant program. The launch ceremony took place at MHI’s Nagasaki shipyard, concluding a multi-year shipbuilding effort aimed at strengthening Japan’s naval capabilities.
The vessel, designated JS Yoshii (FFM-12), is named after the Yoshii River, which flows through the Mikuni mountain range in Okayama Prefecture before reaching Kurashiki Bay. The launch follows a contract awarded by Japan’s Ministry of Defense in February 2024, valued at approximately 58.3 billion yen ($371 million), for construction of the final frigate in the class.
The Mogami-class frigate program was initiated in 2019 to replace the JMSDF’s aging Abukuma-class ships with a new generation of stealthy, multi-role surface combatants. To date, eight of the 12 vessels have entered active service, beginning with the commissioning of the lead ship, JS Mogami (FFM-1), in April 2022. The ninth, 10th, and 11th ships have already been launched and are currently undergoing outfitting and sea trials.
Measuring approximately 133 meters in length and displacing around 3,900 to 4,000 metric tons, the Mogami-class frigates are designed for high operational efficiency with a reduced crew of about 90 sailors. Capable of speeds up to 30 knots, the ships are equipped with a 127mm main gun, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems, torpedoes, and mine-laying capabilities, enhancing Japan’s maritime defense and regional deterrence posture.
