Japan has selected Palfinger Marine of Austria to provide stern launch and recovery systems (Stern-LARS) for its upcoming FFM-class multirole frigates. The contract covers the first five vessels, which are to be constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries between 2027 and 2036.
The advanced slipway technology allows safer deployment and recovery of small boats and unmanned surface vehicles. Unlike traditional methods, Palfinger’s design eliminates the need for cranes or manual handling, enabling single-operator use and reducing turnaround times.
Palfinger has an established track record in Japan, having delivered similar systems for all 12 Mogami-class frigates, also built by Mitsubishi. The new FFM-class, known as “shingata”, builds on the Mogami design with a hull 10 meters longer and 1 meter wider, offering expanded mission capacity.
These design changes are intended to support greater reliance on unmanned systems and broader mission sets. Japan’s Mogami-class vessels, which entered service in 2022, already cover anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and mine countermeasure roles. Mitsubishi recently launched the 11th Mogami-class ship, underscoring Tokyo’s steady fleet modernization.
