TSAMTO, May 5. The Command of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces announced the transfer ceremony of the Mogami-class frigate (also known as Project 30DX, 30FFM) to the fleet on April 28 at the Nagasaki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
During the event, a solemn raising of the naval flag took place. Thus, now the ship has officially become part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces.
Immediately after the ceremony, the Mogami went to its home port – the Yokosuka Naval Base. The frigate (FFM-1) "Mogami" (Mogami) is formally the lead ship of the series, although for a number of reasons it was adopted later than the (FFM-2) "Kumano" (Kumano), which entered the fleet in March 2022.
As reported by TSAMTO, in August 2017, the Japanese Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics ATLA (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency) selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as the main contractor for the creation of a project for a new class of multipurpose destroyers (frigates) 30DX (also known under the designation FFM and 30FFM). The MHI offer was recognized as the best in comparison with the one presented by Mitsui and Japan Marine United Corporation. Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Company ATLA has appointed the main subcontractor of the project. MHI was to build the lead ship of the series, and Mitsui was to build the second frigate. The cost of one ship of the series is estimated at 48-50 billion. yen ($456.7 million).
(FFM-1) "Mogami" (Mogami) was launched at the Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works of MHI Company in Nagasaki Prefecture on March 3, 2021 with a delay due to technical problems. Since the Mogami was ordered first, the command of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces considers it the lead vessel of the series.
For reference: in March 2021, Mitsui became part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The laying of the keel (FFM-2) "Kumano" (Kumano) took place on October 30, 2019 at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding in Tamano (pref.Okayama). The frigate was put into service on March 22, 2022.
The third frigate of the series, Noshiro, was launched by MHI on June 22, 2021, and the fourth, Mikuma, on December 10, 2021.
The Mogami–class frigate is a new generation warship designed to perform various tasks, including combating submarines and air targets, mine warfare, and ensuring the safety of sea routes. The plans of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces provide for the adoption of up to 22 ships of this type. The main task of the vessels will be patrolling the exclusive economic zone of Japan. The new frigates will replace the obsolete destroyers of the Abukuma, Hatsuyuki and Asagiri classes.
As reported by Navalnews.com, the first two frigates built were initially prepared for installation, but not equipped with the Mk.41 VPU. However, at the end of November 2021, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the allocation of additional funds in the amount of about 773.8 billion. yen ($6.8 billion) in the budget for 2021, including $74 million for two sets of VPU for Mogami-class ships.
