Frigate
Mogami-class frigate (30FFM)
The Mogami-class (30FFM) is a Japanese multi-mission frigate built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, in service since 2022. Twelve ships are planned, each with a crew of only about 90, and Australia selected an upgraded version in August 2025.
Japan|Mitsubishi Heavy IndustriesOverview
The 30FFM Mogami-class is a multi-mission frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki and Mitsui. The lead ship Mogami was launched in 2021 and commissioned in 2022. Displacement is about 5,500 t full load, length 132.5 m, speed 30+ knots, and the crew is only about 90 thanks to automation. The hull and an integrated mast are designed to reduce the radar signature. Propulsion is CODAG with one Rolls-Royce Spey and two MAN diesels.
Sensors are the OPY-2 multifunction radar and OQQ-25 sonar suite, and the ship can conduct mine countermeasures with unmanned underwater vehicles. Armament includes a 16-cell Mk 41 VLS, a 127 mm gun, Type 17 anti-ship missiles and a 21-cell RAM launcher. Twelve ships are planned, and later hulls form the improved Noshiro class. In August 2025 Australia selected an upgraded Mogami for its SEA 3000 frigate programme (11 ships); a contract with MHI followed, with the first three built in Japan (hedged).
Key Specifications
Variants
The 30FFM Mogami is the original class, with the lead ship commissioned in 2022 and twelve ships planned.
The improved Mogami (Noshiro class) covers later hulls with added capability.
The SEA 3000 Mogami is the upgraded version selected by Australia for its general-purpose frigate programme in August 2025.
Operators
JapanFrequently Asked Questions
How big is the crew of the Mogami-class?
The Mogami-class has a crew of only about 90, thanks to extensive automation. That is far fewer than many comparable frigates, which typically carry well over 100 sailors. The ship displaces about 5,500 t at full load.
Does Australia buy the Mogami-class?
Australia selected an upgraded Mogami-class frigate in August 2025 for its SEA 3000 programme of 11 ships. A contract with MHI was announced afterwards, with the first three ships built in Japan (check the latest status).
Mogami vs Type 26: which is better?
The Mogami is a smaller 5,500 t multi-mission frigate with a crew of 90 and a stealthy design, while the British Type 26 is a larger anti-submarine frigate. Australia’s SEA 3000 contest compared both designs.
What weapons does the Mogami-class carry?
The Mogami-class has a 127 mm Mk 45 gun, Mk 41 VLS cells, Type 17 anti-ship missiles, a 21-cell RAM launcher and remote weapon stations. It can also conduct mine countermeasures with unmanned underwater vehicles.
How many Mogami-class frigates will be built?
Twelve Mogami-class frigates are planned for Japan. Later hulls are designated the improved Noshiro class. The lead ship Mogami was commissioned in 2022. The class is built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Which countries use the Mogami-class?
Only Japan operates the Mogami-class at present. Australia selected an upgraded version in August 2025 for its SEA 3000 frigate programme, but those ships are not yet in service.