Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on Monday has unveiled the ninth Mogami-class guided-missile frigate ordered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The frigate, designated JS Natori upon commissioning, was launched at MHI's Nagasaki facilities as announced by the JMSDF.
Natori is part of a planned fleet of 12 Mogami-class frigates intended to replace the JMSDF's aging Abukuma-class frigates, which have been in service since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The lead frigate, JS Mogami, was commissioned in April 2022, followed by JS Kumano inducted in March 2022, preceding the lead frigate.
The Mogami class displaces approximately 5,500 tonnes when fully loaded, with an overall length of 132 meters and a beam of 16 meters.
Each vessel is powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system consisting of two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine. This configuration enables a top speed of 30 knots, supported by a crew of 90 personnel.
Armament includes a BAE Systems 127 mm naval gun as the primary armament. Additionally, the frigates are equipped with a vertical launching system (VLS) for the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile and two quad launchers for anti-ship missiles.
In addition to the JMSDF's current array of anti-ship missiles, Japan intends to equip the Mogami-class frigates with a naval variant of the Type 12 missile, enhancing their long-range strike capabilities.
