Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF
A scale model of the Upgraded Mogami displayed by Japan’s MoD at DSEI Japan 2025. (Photo: author)
The JMSDF has commissioned the seventh Mogami-class ship as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advances upgraded frigates and supply vessels.
As the Japanese authorities and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) await an announcement from Australia regarding the success or otherwise of its Improved Mogami-class frigate offering, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is powering ahead with its own frigate programmes.
Last week, the JMSDF commissioned its seventh Mogami-class frigate, after it had been launched on 26 September 2023. This one is distinguished by being the first to have its 16-cell MK41 vertical launch system (VLS) fitted from the get-go, as will the remaining five warships in the class.
Constructed by MHI, JS Niyodo cost approximately JPY47.4 billion (US$332 million) and it
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush]()
Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush
A cluster of acquisitions by Fincantieri, Thales, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall points to a race to secure underwater warfare, autonomy and sensing capability.
-
![Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers]()
Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers
Canada's ambitious naval modernisation plans are creating major maritime procurement opportunities, with future programmes also promising long-term work for domestic and international shipbuilders.
-
![The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme]()
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
