Japan’s eighth Mogami class frigate, JS Yūbetsu, was launched on November 14 in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. The Mogami class frigates are set to become the backbone of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and are equipped with advanced features. These stealthy frigates have a futuristic appearance and can perform various mission-sets for the JMSDF. The Yūbetsu is currently under construction by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and is named after Japan’s Yūbetsu River in Hokkaido. The other ships in the class are also named after famous Japanese rivers. MHI has already delivered three ships in the class to the JMSDF, and four more are under construction. A total of 12 Mogami class ships are expected to be procured by the JMSDF. These frigates will eventually replace the older Asagiri class destroyers and Abukuma class destroyer escorts. The Mogami class frigates are designed to be operated by a small crew and feature advanced electronic warfare and sensor suites. They are armed with various weapons systems and have advanced technology for surveillance and combat operations. The reduced signature design of these frigates provides greater survivability and makes long-range detection and engagement more challenging for enemy forces. The Mogami class frigates are part of Japan’s efforts to expand its naval capabilities in response to rising security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
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