Japan Commissions Sixth Mogami-Class Frigate ‘Agano’ 5,500 tons Displacement

Japan's JMSDF has launched the Agano, the sixth Mogami-class frigate, featuring advanced multi-mission capabilities and high automation. Plans include acquiring new, improved frigates with enhanced weaponry and anti-submarine capabilities by 2028.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has recently introduced the Agano, designated with the pennant number FFM-6. This vessel marks the sixth addition to the Mogami-class frigates, also known as FFM, representing the next generation of multi-mission frigates for the JMSDF. The Agano is set to be stationed at the Maizuru Naval Base.

Naming and Launch

The Agano is named after the Agano River, located in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan. This river is also known as the Aga River or the Ōkawa River in Fukushima. This naming tradition continues for all ships in the Mogami-class, each named after well-known rivers in Japan. The Agano was launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki in December 2022.

Specifications and Capabilities

The Mogami-class frigates, including the Agano, are designed with advanced multi-mission capabilities. The vessels have a full load displacement of approximately 5,500 tons, a length of 132.5 meters, and a beam of 16.3 meters. They are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. With a relatively small crew of about 90 sailors, these frigates feature a high level of automation.

The FFM will be equipped with an array of weapons and systems:

• BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch naval gun system

• Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon System

• Mk.41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)

• Raytheon SeaRAM

• MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles

• 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 (VDS/TASS)

• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) such as the OZZ-5 by MHI

• Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) for mine countermeasures

• Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

Future Developments

Initially, the JMSDF planned to build 22 Mogami-class frigates to strengthen Japan's naval forces. However, the plan has been revised to procure 12 frigates by the fiscal year 2023, with a new class of 12 improved FFMs to be acquired between 2024 and 2028. These new frigates will incorporate enhancements based on the Mogami-class design, including longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved operational versatility.

The new-class FFM will feature an upgraded version of the Type 12 Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) and a new ship-to-air guided missile, referred to as A-SAM. These upgrades will provide better anti-aircraft and search capabilities, aligning the new frigates closer to the specifications of a missile frigate (FFG).

International Interest

The Mogami-class frigates have garnered international attention, with Australia listing them as one of four candidates for their next frigate procurement. The other contenders include Germany’s Meko A-200, South Korea’s Daegu-class FFX Batch II and III, and Spain’s Navantia ALFA3000. Admiral Sakai Ryo, chief of staff of the JMSDF, acknowledged this interest, highlighting the trust and high evaluation of Japanese naval equipment.