Japan Commissions Seventh Mogami-class Frigate ‘JS Niyodo’

In a significant milestone for Japan’s naval defense, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has officially commissioned its seventh Mogami-class frigate, named JS Niyodo (FFM-7). Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) at their Nagasaki shipyard, the frigate was handed over in a formal ceremony, including a self-defense ship flag-raising, marking its official entry into service.

First Mogami-class Frigate with Vertical Launch System

What makes JS Niyodo particularly special is that it’s the first vessel in the Mogami-class to be equipped with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This system provides the ship with enhanced missile launching capability, giving it a modern, multi-layered defense against air, surface, and underwater threats. The first six ships of the class are planned to receive VLS installations later.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Japan allocated around 8.4 billion yen (roughly $58 million) for the first two VLS systems intended for JS Niyodo and JS Yubetsu, the eighth ship of this class. The remaining ten ships will be fitted with VLS systems in phases, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2028.

Deployed at Kure Naval Base

JS Niyodo has been assigned to Escort Division 12 at Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. Interestingly, this is the first Mogami-class ship to be deployed at this historic naval facility, further strengthening Japan’s maritime defense capabilities in the region.

The ship gets its name from the Niyodo River (仁淀川), a famous river in Japan’s Shikoku region known for its crystal-clear waters.

Advanced Capabilities and Specifications

Designed as a next-generation multi-mission frigate, the Mogami-class—also called 30FFM—is meant to perform a wide range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and surface combat.

Here’s a look at JS Niyodo’s key specifications and features:

• Displacement: 3,900 tonnes

• Length: Approx. 132.5 meters

• Beam: 16.3 meters

• Draught: 9 meters

• Top Speed: Over 30 knots

• Crew: Around 90 personnel

• Construction Cost: Approx. 47.4 billion yen (about $327 million)

It’s also the first JMSDF vessel to feature a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) propulsion system, combining two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines with one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, offering both efficiency and high-speed performance.

Weapons and Combat Systems

The JS Niyodo is heavily armed for a variety of missions:

• BAE Systems 5-inch (127mm) Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun

• Japan Steel Works 12.7mm remote weapon systems (2 units)

• 16-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS)

• Raytheon SeaRAM missile defense system

• MHI Type 17 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile (SSM-2) launchers (2 x 4-tube)

• Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction radar

• Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 EO/IR sensors

• Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar

• NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar with VDS/TASS

• Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for mine countermeasures

• Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

The Future of the Mogami-class and Beyond

Japan plans to procure a total of 12 Mogami-class frigates, with deliveries expected to continue through fiscal year 2028. Following these, a New FFM (Future Frigate Multi-role) class is already being designed as an upgraded version of the Mogami-class. These improved frigates are scheduled to enter service starting fiscal year 2028, with all expected to be operational by 2032.

Interestingly, Japan’s advanced frigate designs have also caught international attention. The Australian government has shortlisted Japan’s MHI alongside Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to compete for building the Royal Australian Navy’s future general-purpose frigates.

Additionally, in a notable defense collaboration, Japan and India have signed an agreement for the export of advanced integrated stealth antenna systems, technology that’s currently operational on the Mogami-class ships, including JS Niyodo.

Conclusion

The commissioning of JS Niyodo marks another proud step in Japan’s effort to modernize its maritime forces. With enhanced multi-role capabilities, modern weapons, and advanced systems like the Mk 41 VLS, it strengthens the JMSDF’s ability to safeguard Japan’s vast maritime interests and contribute to regional security.

As Japan continues to expand its Mogami-class fleet and prepares for its New FFM program, the nation is solidifying its position as a leading naval power in the Indo-Pacific region.