Japan finalizes the series Mogami. The eleventh frigate was launched

On 2 July at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki, the JS unit was launched. Tatsuta. The name frigate, according to the adopted Japanese tradition, comes from a river flowing near the town of Ikoma. It will be the penultimate Mogami type unit, which plays a key role in the modernization of the Japanese Marine Defense Forces (JMSDF).

In the article

Modern hull – response to regional challenges

Mogami frigates were designed as multitasking ships to replace older Asagiri destroyers and Abukuma escort units. Thanks to compact sizes (132.5 m long, buoyancy up to 5500 tonnes) and a high maximum speed exceeding 30 knots, these units are suitable for operation in both coastal and sea-wide areas of the western Indo-Pacific.

The CODG system drive combines two MAN Diesel & Turbo 12V28/33D STC diesel engines with the Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, allowing to adapt to different scenarios at sea.

On-board armaments and systems – in line with the requirements of the 21st century

The main combat equipment of the Mogami frigate type includes a universal BAE Systems Mk 45 Mod 4 (L/62) cannon mounted on the bow of the ship. In the field of self-defense, units use the Raytheon SeaRAM missile system to protect the 360° zone from air threats, including missiles Manoeuvring missiles and unmanned systems.

The addition is made up of two remote-controlled weapons stations (ZSMU) from Japan Steel Works with wkm kal. 12.7 mm, placed on the sides of the superstructure, allowing effective firing of approaching asymmetrical targets. For the purpose of combating submarines (ZOPs), frigates have been equipped with two four-way anti-ship missiles Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Type 17 (SSM-2), which gives the possibility of simultaneously firing up to eight missiles. Two three-tube HOS-303 launchers were designed for submarine combat for light 324 mm cal torpedoes – standard type 97, with the possibility of integration into newer models.

The ships also have four six barrel launchers of disruptive agents Mk 137 SRBOC, used to set thermal and electromagnetic traps. From the seventh unit of this series, two Lockheed Martin Mk 41 VLS vertical launcher modules were also installed, to eight chambers each. This system allows the implementation of various effectors – from ESSM anti-aircraft missiles, through ZOP VL-ASROC missiles, to means of land-use destruction.

There is also a hangar and landing ground on board for the SH-60K Seahawk helicopter, which increases the operational flexibility of the frigate. Importantly, the Mogs frigates are able to cooperate with unmanned water and underwater systems, making them a valuable asset in antiminal and exploratory activities.

The future of Mogami

Although the original plan provided for the construction of 22 frigates, eventually the number of units was limited to 12. Fregata Tatsuta is the penultimate unit of the current series – The programme will continue in a modified version, possibly adapted to new operational challenges and voltage increases in the Indo-Pacific region.

Launching JS Tatsuta confirms that Japan is consistently building a fleet capable of effective operation in a dynamically changing safety environment. Mogami ships, which are a modern solution with a high expeditional and defensive potential, will be the operational pillar of JMSDF for years.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz