JS Natori Mogami-Class Frigate Ship Profile

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Elegant fashion shoot with models and designer in studio setting.
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The JS Natori Mogami-Class Frigate is a versatile warship that's been serving Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force since its commissioning in 2003.

It has a length of 150 meters and a beam of 17.5 meters, making it a significant presence on the water.

The ship's displacement is around 4,900 tons, giving it the stability and maneuverability needed for its various tasks.

The Mogami-Class Frigate is equipped with a range of sensors and communication systems, ensuring it can stay connected and informed at all times.

Mogami-Class Frigate

The Mogami-Class Frigate is a type of warship used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It's designed for multi-purpose operations and has been shortlisted as a contender for the Royal Australian Navy's new general purpose frigates.

The Mogami-Class Frigate is built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and has a unique design that sets it apart from other frigates. The first batch of ships will be built overseas before transitioning to an Australian build.

Frigate Sailing on the Sea
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Here's a list of some of the notable Mogami-Class Frigates:

The Mogami-Class Frigate has been showcased in various events, including the IODS 2024, where the "Upgraded Mogami" was presented as MHI's proposal for the Royal Australian Navy's general purpose frigate program.

MHI Launches Mogami-Class Frigate for JMSF

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has successfully launched the JS Natori, the ninth vessel in a planned fleet of 12 Mogami-class multirole frigates for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The JS Natori is named after the Natori River, which runs through Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan, following the tradition of the Mogami-class frigates, all of which are named after prominent Japanese rivers.

The Mogami-class frigates are designed to provide advanced capabilities similar to those of the Akizuki-class destroyers but with a smaller crew and reduced Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells.

The JS Natori features a compact hull with a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, a beam of 16.3 meters, and a draught of 9 meters.

Ship By The Port
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The vessel is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, a first for any JMSDF ship, which includes two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.

The JS Natori is armed with a BAE Systems 5-inch (127-mm) 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun system and two Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon Systems.

Here are some key features of the JS Natori:

  • Length: 133 meters
  • Beam: 16.3 meters
  • Displacement: 3,900 tonnes
  • Crew: 90 personnel
  • Propulsion: Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) system
  • Armament: 5-inch (127-mm) 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun system, two Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon Systems, and more.

The commissioning of JS Natori comes at a time when Japan is enhancing its maritime defenses, particularly around the southwestern Nansei island chain.

The new frigates will essentially be improved Mogami-class ships that are set to be built to the design proposed by MHI and fitted with longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved capabilities for various maritime operations.

The New FFM design will have a greater overall length of about 142 m and a wider overall beam of about 17 m, compared to the current Mogami-class frigates.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense also stated that the New FFM will be armed with an improved version of the ship-launched Type 12 surface-to-surface missile as well as the new surface-to-air missile.

Ships in Class

A Model Getting Dressed by the Designer
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The Mogami-Class Frigate has a total of 12 vessels in the class, with the first one, JS Mogami, commissioned on April 28, 2022. Each vessel is built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki.

The construction of the vessels began in 2019, with the first keel laid down on October 29, 2019. The launch of JS Mogami took place on March 3, 2021, marking the beginning of the class's operational life.

Here is a list of the 12 vessels in the Mogami-Class Frigate:

Mogami Frigate Details

The Mogami frigate is a multirole vessel with impressive capabilities. It has a length of 142 metres (465 ft 11 in) and a beam of 17 metres (55 ft 9 in), with a standard displacement of 4,880 metric tons (4,800 long tons).

The Upgraded Mogami, also known as the New FFM, features an improved radar and a 32-cell Mark 41 VLS. This is an upgrade from the earlier Mogami frigates, which had a 16-cell VLS.

Credit: youtube.com, Japan’s Multimission Mogami-class Frigates

The Mogami-class frigates are being built at a rapid pace, with the ninth frigate, JS Natori, recently launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The vessel is expected to be delivered and commissioned by the end of fiscal year 2025.

The Upgraded Mogami will have a greater overall length of about 142 m and a wider overall beam of about 17 m, compared to the current Mogami-class frigates. This increased size will provide more space for advanced systems and capabilities.

Here's a quick comparison of the new and old Mogami frigates:

The Upgraded Mogami will be armed with an improved version of the ship-launched Type 12 surface-to-surface missile, as well as a new surface-to-air missile. This will enhance its capabilities for various maritime operations.

Jessie Smith

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Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

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