MOGAMI-CLASS FRIGATE

The Mogami-class is Japan's revolutionary multi-mission frigate, designed with extreme automation requiring a crew of only 90 — roughly one-third of a comparable warship. The 5,500-tonne design combines conventional surface warfare (anti-ship missiles, VLS-launched ESSM) with organic mine countermeasures capability, unmanned vehicle operations, and anti-submarine warfare in a single compact hull. The OPY-2 AESA radar provides 360° detection and tracking. Japan plans to build 22 Mogami-class frigates, making it the largest single warship class in the JMSDF. The design reflects Japan's response to China's rapid naval expansion — producing capable, automated warships in quantity rather than fewer, larger vessels. It has already attracted significant international interest as an export-competitive frigate design.