Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launches 8th Mogami class frigate Yubetsu.

According to information published by the Japanese MoD on November 15, 2023, MHI hosted an event at its Tamano Works facility, marking the naming and launching of the 8th frigate, Yubetsu, in the Mogami class.
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Japan's Mogami class frigate JS Yubetsu. (Picture source: JMSDF)

The Mogami class frigates, characterized by their size and capabilities, have a standard displacement of 3,900 tons, increasing to 5,500 tons when fully loaded. These ships, stretching to a length of 133 meters and a beam of 16.3 meters, are powered by a CODAG propulsion system that includes one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and two MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engines, allowing them to achieve speeds of over 30 knots.

The class is equipped to carry various small craft, including two RHIBs, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and is manned by a crew of 90.

The Mogami class frigates are outfitted with sophisticated sensors and processing systems, including the OPY-2 multi-purpose AESA radar, OAX-3 electro-optical/infrared systems, and an array of anti-submarine warfare equipment including the OQQ-25 variable depth sonar and towed array sonar system.

For EW, the ships are equipped with the NOLQ-3E passive radar system, which includes electronic attack capabilities integrated into the main radar antenna, and a chaff dispenser for decoy purposes.

The armament of these frigates is comprehensive, featuring a 5-inch Mk-45 Mod 4 naval gun, missile canisters for Type 17 anti-ship missiles, SeaRAM, Type 12 torpedoes, and simplified mine laying equipment. Additionally, they house 16 Mk-41 Vertical Launch Systems, accommodating the naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM and Type 07 Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets.

Each ship in the class can carry an SH-60L helicopter, with aviation facilities including a single hangar to support airborne operations.