Lead next-gen multi-mission frigate launched for JMSDF

[Isa Khan]

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched JS Mogami (FFM-1), the first-in-class of next-generation multi-mission frigates ordered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The naming and launching ceremony took place at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works on 3 March 2021.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1366997737401507841

The 3,900-ton unit is the lead ship of the 30DX frigate program of JMSDF and is planned to be commissioned in March next year.

Back in 2018, the Japanese defense ministry awarded a contract to MHI to build the first two of the planned four frigates for JMSDF.

The second frigate, JS Kumano (FFM-2) is being built at subcontractor Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding’s (Mitsui E&S) Tamano shipyard. The ship was launched on 19 November 2020 and is scheduled for delivery also in March 2022.

The next-gen frigates feature a length of 130 meters, a width of 16 meters and can reach a speed of over 30 knots.

The multirole frigates will be more compact for operations near the shores of Japan. They will be deployed on international peace and humanitarian missions in addition to performing anti-piracy activities. The vessels will also have mine countermeasure capabilities.

Lead next-gen multi-mission frigate launched for JMSDF

MHI has launched JS Mogami (FFM-1), the first-in-class of next-generation multi-mission frigates ordered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

www.navaltoday.com

 

[Parry Brima]

So this is what they offer to Indonesia. Only 3900 tons? I thought it'll be close to 6000 tons like Iver Huitfeldt or FREMM.

 

[Gary]

So this is what they offer to Indonesia. Only 3900 tons? I thought it'll be close to 6000 tons like Iver Huitfeldt or FREMM.

3900 tons empty, close to 5500 tons fully loaded with missile's, guns and stuff.

 

[Gary]

wow, just realized the (possibly) third and fourth ships are right next to it, The Japanese are constructing the ships at speed indeed.

 

[Gary]

 

[Gary]

Japan’s New 30FFM Frigate For JMSDF ‘Kumano’ 「くまの」Starts Sea Trials

FFM #2, the future JS Kumano 「くまの」 started sea trials on 24 August 2021. Picture by 黒兎 (Black Rabbit) / Twitter user @LapinssGogo

Japan’s New 30FFM Frigate For JMSDF ‘Kumano’ 「くまの」Starts Sea Trials​

Pictures by local ship spotter 黒兎 (Black Rabbit) show that the new 30FFM Frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) started sea trials yesterday, 24 August 2021.​

Xavier Vavasseur 25 Aug 2021

Kumano (くまの」named after the Kumano river in the Kii Peninsula of central Japan, located in Nara, Wakayama and Mie Prefectures) was launched by local shipbuilder Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd in Okayama in November 2020. The vessel is actually the second ship in the class: FFM #1 known as Mogami (もがみ) was launched in March this year. Naval News’ Japanese contributor, Yoshihiro Inaba, attended the launch ceremony in Nagasaki. The third vessel in the class, Noshiro (のしろ), was launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki in June.

During her launch, it was announced that Kumano would be delivered to the JMSDF by the end of 2021. Naval News is trying to confirm this information with Mitsui E&S.

The Mogami-class / 30FFM (also known as FFM and previously known as 30DX) is the next generation multi-mission frigate designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). A total number of 22 Frigates are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

The two shipyards in charge of building the first two frigates of the class are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki and Mitsui E&S in Okayama.

Mogami-class / FFM characteristics​

Detailed picture of FFM #2, the future JS Kumano 「くまの」at the Mitsui E&S shipyard on 22 August 2021, just before the sea trials. Picture by local ship spotter なた @nata8829.

According to MHI, the 30FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters and a beam of 16.3 meters. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

The 30FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below.

• BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch naval gun system ×1
• Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon System ×2
• Mk.41 VLS (fitted for but not with)
• Raytheon SeaRAM ×1
• MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles ×8
• Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
• Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3EO/IR sensors
• Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
• NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS)
• UUV (OZZ-5 by MHI) and USV (unknown type) for mine counter measures
• Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

You can learn more about the 30FFM class with the in-depth feature we published last year:

Japan’s New 30FFM Frigate For JMSDF ‘Kumano’ 「くまの」Starts Sea Trials - Naval News

Pictures by local ship spotter 黒兎 (Black Rabbit) show that the new 30FFM Frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) started sea trials yesterday, 24 August 2021.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Gary]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1431090351838613504