Tag Archives: Mogami-class frigate

Two ways to bite the frigate apple

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In June 2021, the Navy announced that Naval Station Everett would be the future home of the first 12 of 20 Constellation-class frigates. The new ships, a variant of the proven Franco-Italian FREMM multipurpose frigate, which has almost two dozen hulls in the water, teased a rapid build-up as they were more or less “off the shelf.”

Except that the Navy wanted to change almost everything on the design.

200430-N-NO101-150 WASHINGTON (April 30, 2020) An artist rendering of the guided-missile frigate FFG(X). The new small surface combatant will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations. (U.S. Navy graphic/Released)

Four years later, and the late and over-budget first frigate of the class, the future USS Constellation (FFG-62), is only 10 percent complete— while the design is yet to be finalized by Big Navy and approved!

It is thought that she will only be delivered in 2029 if no other problems arise.

As Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the builder of the FFG-62s, is also the same yard that had massive issues with the Freedom-class littoral combat ships, which are still trying to get right 20 years into that program, the prospects for 2029 do not seem bright.

Meanwhile, the Royal Australian Navy this week announced it has gone for 10 new upgraded Mogami-class frigates from Mitsubishi in Japan.

The proposed RAN Mogami

The proposed RAN Mogami

The proposed RAN Mogami

The ships will carry the same 32-cell VLS and 16 anti-ship missiles as Constellation, and will have a phased array radar and helicopter/UAV facilities as well as an ASW capability. The Mogamis will only have a 10-cell SeaRam, rather than the 21-cell RAM of Constellation.

With longer legs than the 6,000nm ranged Connies, the RAN Mogamis will be able to steam 10,000nm. They also have a much more capable gun, a full 5″/62 Mk 45, rather than the 57mm Bofors of the Connies. Plus, they will have a set of ASW tubes, which Connie will not.

As the agreement could see steel cut as early as 2026, and MHI has a track record of building Mogamis in less than three years per hull, it is feasible that the Aussies could see their first new Japanese-built frigate in 2029.

How about that?

Rising Sun Updates

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In Japan, the country’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is stretching its legs.

The 4,000-ton training frigate JS Kashima (TV-3508), accompanied by the 6,000-ton Hatakaze-class guided missile destroyer JS Shimakaze (DDG-172/TV-3521), departed for an overseas training cruise.

What makes this interesting, besides the fact that both units will travel together and conduct a rare circumnavigation of the globe, is that it also marks the first time in 50 years that they will pass by the Cape of Good Hope off the coast of Africa.

You can expect the pair to conduct lots of exercises with allies, such as this underway replenishment with the USNS Pecos (T-AO-197).

In terms of growth, the JMSD just celebrated the commissioning ceremony for the newest Mogami-class frigate at Nagasaki Shipyard, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., which saw JS Yahagi (FFM-5) join the fleet. The 5th Mogami will be deployed to Maizuru Naval Base, Kyoto, as part of Escort Division 14.

The very advanced CODAG-powered 5,000-ton “stealth” frigate includes a 5-inch gun, 16 cell VLS, eight anti-ship missiles, minelaying (and MCM) equipment, ASW torpedoes, a SeaRAM CIWS, and a hangar for an embarked SH-60 series helicopter–all with just a 90 man crew.

Top speed, “over 30 knots” is rumored to be closer to 40 in a sprint.

If only the LCS could have been something more like the Mogamis.

China’s PLAN looking bigger, better, and more professional than ever

 
Since you came this far, this excellent 45-minute USNI podcast in which retired Navy Captain Jim Fanell—noted expert on the Chinese Navy, former Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and frequent Proceedings contributor—provides an update on the PLA Navy and their operations. 
 
He notes that the JMSDF is engaged in keeping tabs on the PLAN daily.