Mogami-class frigate

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JS Kumano(FFM-2) left front view at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Tamano Shipyard November 19, 2020 03.jpg
Class overview
NameMogami class
Builders
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded by Abukuma class
Cost¥50.0 billion[1]
Built2019–present
In commission2022–2032 (planned)
Planned
  • 8 (first batch)
  • 22 (total planned)
Building4
General characteristics
TypeFrigate
Displacement
  • 3,900 tons standard
  • 5,500 tons full load
Length133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam16.3 m (53 ft 6 in)
Propulsion
Speedover 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 x RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew90
Sensors and
processing systems
  • OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar)
  • OAX-3(EO/IR)
  • OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS) - ASW
  • OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar)
  • OYQ-1 (Combat management system)
  • OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare
& decoys		NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilitiesSingle hangar

The Mogami-class frigate (also known as 30FFM, 30FF, 30DX, or 30DEX) is a Japanese multi-mission stealth frigate in development for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Development[]

In 2015 the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new "compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities" as well as a new radar system for the destroyer.[2] In the same year Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they had been developing with their own funds.[1][3]

In August 2017, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) selected MHI and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding as the prime contractor and subcontractor to construct the frigate. In addition, the agency also selected a completely new design of the vessel (30DX). The new ship is set to replace the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts.[1]

Construction of the 30DX was to begin in 2018. A total of twenty-two units built to this design are planned by 2032, of which the first eight were under contract by 2018; a pair are to be built each year.[4]

Design[]

The overall intent of the 30DX design is to achieve a modern frigate-sized vessel with capabilities similar to the Akizuki-class destroyer but with a reduced crew and having only half the VLS cells.[5]

30FF[]

The original intention was to use the 30FF model. The 30FF design looked similar to the United States Navy's Freedom-class littoral combat ship with an integrated mast. Its armament included a 5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun, two remote weapon stations between the bridge and main gun, a SeaRAM above the helicopter hangar, and a helicopter. The length of this version of the vessel was to be 120 metres (393 ft 8 in), with a max beam of 18 metres (59 ft 1 in), and a displacement of about 3,000 metric tons (3,000 long tons). The 30FF design had a planned maximum speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and accommodated a crew of about 100.[1][6]

30DX[]

However, it was the 30DX model that was eventually chosen to be constructed. The 30DX design (although modern) is more conservative compared to the 30FF's more radical approach. The three main factors for the design change were due to the need for affordability, miniaturization/automation, and multi-mission capabilities.[1] The vessel has an overall length of 130 metres (426 ft 6 in), breadth of 16 metres (52 ft 6 in), a standard displacement of 3,900 metric tons (3,800 long tons) with a full load displacement of about 5,500 metric tons (5,400 long tons), and a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).[7] The frigates will be powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.[8]

Weapons for the 30DX include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations above the bridge, 16-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) at the bow, 8 anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. Another capability is to deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV),[9] and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helo deck.[5] The 30DX will also expect to use a naval version of the JGSDF's Type 03 Chū-SAM long-range AA missile.[10]

The stealthy design of both models is based on the research and development lessons learned from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin (then: ATD-X) stealth fighter technology demonstrator, as both platforms are designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.[7][11] Along with stealth capabilities, the frigate also emphasizes having a high level of automation. This allows the frigate to possess a low crew size of only 90 personnel when compared to the crew complement of other ships of similar size.[12]

Automation[]

3D concept rendering of 30DX frigate

At Sea Air Space 2019, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries revealed their 'Advanced Integrated CIC' for the vessel. According to the report, it will combined the wheelhouse, the managing and situational awareness room, the engine and power control room, and combat information center within a large 360-degree circular screen wall. It can display panoramic views around the ship without a blind spot on the screen, and will also utilize augmented reality technology to discriminate among the objects shown and to navigate the ship.[12]

Ships in the class[]

Hull No. Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Builder
FFM-1 JS Mogami 29 October 2019 3 March 2021[13] Scheduled for March 2022 Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
FFM-2 JS Kumano 30 October 2019 19 November 2020 Scheduled for March 2022 Mitsui, Tamano
FFM-3 JS Noshiro 15 July 2020 22 June 2021[14] Scheduled for December 2022 Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
FFM-4 JS Mikuma 15 July 2020 10 December 2021 Scheduled for March 2023[15] Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
FFM-X FY Reiwa 2 FFM
（02FFM）		 24 June 2021[16] Scheduled for June 2022 Scheduled for December 2023 Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
FFM-X FY Reiwa 2 FFM
（02FFM）		 Scheduled for December 2022 Scheduled for March 2024 Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
FFM-X FY Reiwa 3 FFM
（03FFM）[17] 		TBA Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
TBA Mitsui, Tamano

Export[]

Both frigate designs have been showcased in four naval exhibitions to attract potential export customers. The 30FF was shown in PACIFIC 2015 as a contender for Australian Navy's SEA5000 ASW Frigate Program and on display again at Sea Air Space 2017.[6][11] The 30DX design has also been shown in Sea Air Space 2018 (as well as 2019) and Euronaval 2018.[5][18]

Japan plans to export four frigates to Indonesia, and another four will be built in Indonesia under ¥300 billion contract.[19] In March 2021, Japan and Indonesia signed an military cooperation agreement, which reinforces the delivery.[20]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Japan's ATLA Selected MHI & Mitsui to build 30DX Surface Combatant for JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  2. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2015 Budget" (PDF). Japan Ministry of Defense. January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveiled 30FF or DEX Next Generation Vessel Concept for the JMSDF". Navy Recognition. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  4. ^ "Acquisition Program Analysis and Evaluation Report (New frigate)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 31 August 2018. pp. 27–28.
  5. ^ a b c "SAS 2018: Japan's MHI Showcasing 30DX Multi-Mission Frigate Design". Navy Recognition. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  6. ^ a b DefenseWebTV (5 April 2017). "Sea-Air-Space 2017 Day 3 / Part 1 - International Presence & US Naval Technology". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  7. ^ a b DefenseWebTV (12 April 2018). "Sea-Air-Space 2018 Day 3 - JMSDF 30DX - Zodiac H-1300 - MARTAC Mantas - HII LX(R) - Airbus VSR700". YouTube. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  8. ^ "Rolls-Royce MT30 Gas Turbine to Power Japan's New 30FFM Frigate". Navy Recognition. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  9. ^ Inaba, Yoshihiro (August 31, 2021). "New USV for Japan's Mogami-class FFM Frigate Breaks Cover". www.navalnews.com.
  10. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (2 November 2018). "MHI to build two new multirole frigates for JMSDF". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  11. ^ a b "PACIFIC 2015: Pictures of the Contenders for the Australian Navy SEA5000 ASW Frigate Program". Navy Recognition. 10 October 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  12. ^ a b "JMSDF Future Frigate To Feature Futuristic 360° Augmented Reality Wall". Naval News. 28 May 2019.
  13. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke. "Japan's MHI launches second 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigate for JMSDF". Janes. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  14. ^ "launch ceremony held for FY Reiwa 1 planned multirole frigate" (PDF). www.mod.go.jp.
  15. ^ "令和元年度計画護衛艦の起工式の開催". www.mod.go.jp.
  16. ^ "令和２年度計画護衛艦の起工式を開催" (PDF). . 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
  17. ^ "令和３年度防衛関係予算のポイント" (PDF).
  18. ^ "Euronaval 2018: Mitsubishi from Japan new concept of Future Multi-Mission Frigate". Navy Recognition. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  19. ^ "Japan plans to export MSDF destroyer to Indonesia". The Japan Times. 5 November 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-11-25. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Japan could deliver eight Mogami-class stealth frigates to Indonesia".
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