Image source: topwar.ru
The Ministry of Defense of Japan has announced the conclusion of a contract for the design and construction of a new frigate of the Shingata FFM type. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the parent organization and Japan Marine United as a subcontractor will be engaged in these works.
FFM is a local designation for a multifunctional frigate, which differs from the classic destroyer not only in smaller dimensions, but also in new capabilities. In particular, FFMS are capable of installing and neutralizing mines, which is not included in the list of tasks of Japanese destroyers. The FFM hull is designed in such a way as to make the ships very secretive. They can operate with fewer crew members than existing destroyers.
Currently, Mogami-class FFMS are being built, which are capable of laying mines from the stern, and can also control unmanned vehicles, both surface and underwater, which are used for trawling. Mogami has a sonar in the bow of the ship to search for bottom mines. For anti-submarine warfare, the ships are equipped with variable depth sonar and towed gas at the stern. However, currently Mogami is not equipped with an air defense system and cannot be used at long ranges of missiles and missiles PLO (but in the future it is planned to install an air defense system).
At the moment, 4 ships of the Mogami class have been commissioned, and 8 more are under construction or undergoing sea trials.
According to the document published by the Ministry of Defense, Shingata FFM will be equipped with numerous additional equipment. Firstly, an air defense system will be installed in the front of the ship for the use of ESSM missiles from Raytheon or A-SAM, or for firing PLO missiles. It will also be equipped with a ship-to-air missile guidance system.
Image source: topwar.ru
- it is noted in the publication Naval News.
In addition to the SH-60 helicopter, a reconnaissance drone will also be based on the take-off deck at the stern (the ScanEagle 2 and V-BAT 128 UAVs are being tested). The capabilities of the PLO will seriously increase due to the installation of a multifunctional sonar (in the place where Mogami currently has a mine detection sonar).
The design of the bridge and the radar mast are undergoing some changes. Firstly, a passage has been added throughout the bridge, which may be useful for watchmen during maneuvers in the port. Secondly, the radar mast is equipped with a large number of gratings (three compared to two in the current FFM design), and their angle has an inclination of 45 degrees.
New equipment has led to an increase in the size of the ship. While Mogami has a standard displacement of 3,900 tons, a length of 133 meters and a width of 16.3 meters, Shingata FFM - respectively 4880 tons, 142 and 17 meters.
In total, Japan intends to build 10 ships of the new class, and their total cost will be disclosed in the budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which will be published in the near future.
