Construction of two new FFMs ($1.2 billion)
Computer rendering of the New FFM. Note the new mast and bridge configuration and the added VLS. Japanese MoD image.The defense ministry said it will acquire a total of 12 new FFMs that will succeed the Mogami-class FFM for the JMSDF.
The JMSDF had originally planned to build a total of 22 Mogami-class frigates as Tokyo ramps up efforts to strengthen the country’s naval forces.
However, JMSDF officials said it has decided to now procure a total of only 12 such frigates until 2023, with plans to construct a new class of 12 warships from 2024. The new frigates will be virtually improved Mogami-class ships.
The defense ministry said the new-class FFM will be fitted with longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved capabilities for various maritime operations.
Specifically, the ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 SSM and the new ship-to-air guided missile (or simply A-SAM) will be equipped with the new-class FFM, defense officials said
“The reason why the missile control was made independent is probably to accommodate the missiles that are planned to be installed in the future,” a former JMSDF official told Naval News.
With better anti-aircraft and search capabilities, the new FFM may become closer to the FFG (missile frigate).
The MoD documents, released by the MoD on August 31, said the new-class FFM has a standard displacement of 4,500 tons. Meanwhile, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)’s proposal of the new-class FFM, which was officially released by the Japanese Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) on August 25, the new warship class will feature a heavier standard
displacement of about 4,880 tons, a greater overall length of about 142 m, and a wider overall beam of about 17 m. The new vessels have a top speed of more than 30 kt, according to MHI’s proposal.
In comparison, the Mogami-class has an overall length of 132.5 m, an overall beam of 16.3 m, and displaces about 3,900 tons at standard loads.
Despite the fact the new class will be bigger than Mogami-class, defense officials said the
new class’s crew complement will be only 90, the same as that of the Mogami-class. To achieve this, Japanese naval planners have likely incorporated the new class with a higher level of automation and deployed extensive lean-manning concepts throughout the vessel.
“Labor saving and manpower saving are the biggest challenges. How can we make use of the increased space distribution?” the former JMSDF official asked.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/08/japan-requests-largest-defense-budget-ever/Duas Fragatas pelo preço de uma Type 26.