Japan Orders Three New FFM-Class Stealth Frigates
- The Japanese Ministry of Defense has finalized an order for three additional Upgraded Mogami-class frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, expanding the country’s naval capabilities in the Pacific region.
- The contract, covering hulls three through five of the New FFM program, was signed on February 16, 2026 and forms part of Japan’s broader plan to acquire 10...
- The Upgraded Mogami-class frigates, also known as New FFM or 06FFM, feature doubled vertical launch system capacity compared to the original Mogami-class, significantly increasing their missile carrying capability.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has finalized an order for three additional Upgraded Mogami-class frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, expanding the country’s naval capabilities in the Pacific region.
The contract, covering hulls three through five of the New FFM program, was signed on February 16, 2026 and forms part of Japan’s broader plan to acquire 10 to 12 frigates under this class. This order reinforces Tokyo’s strategy to field more heavily armed and flexible surface combatants capable of enhanced air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range strike operations.
The Upgraded Mogami-class frigates, also known as New FFM or 06FFM, feature doubled vertical launch system capacity compared to the original Mogami-class, significantly increasing their missile carrying capability. This enhancement directly strengthens Japan’s maritime deterrence, operational readiness, and interoperability with allied forces in high-threat regional scenarios.
Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the frigates are designed for multi-mission flexibility, with a standard displacement of 4,880 tons and full load displacement of 6,200 tons. They measure approximately 142 meters in length and 17 meters in beam, powered by a CODAG propulsion system enabling speeds over 30 knots. Each vessel carries a crew of 90 and is equipped to operate one patrol helicopter or flying sensor.
The New FFM frigates are planned for construction between 2025 and present, with initial commissioning expected from 2028. A total of 23 ships are planned across both the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy, with 12 allocated to Japan and up to 11 to Australia. Australia’s first ship is slated for commissioning in 2030.
This latest order follows Japan’s decision to reduce the original Mogami-class production from 22 to 12 ships, replacing the remainder with the upgraded New FFM variant. The shift reflects evolving defense priorities in response to regional security dynamics, emphasizing distributed lethality and rapid fleet modernization.