Japan's navy unveils sixth high-tech Mogami-class frigate

Under its pacifist constitution, Japan is modernizing its navy at an impressive pace, known as the Maritime Self-Defense Forces. In Nagasaki, the flag was raised on Agano, the sixth Mogami-class frigate. What are the characteristics of these ships?

On June 20, the sixth Mogami-class frigate was ceremoniously commissioned at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki. The ship was named Agano after a river in Fukushima Prefecture.

Agano represents the Mogami class, also known as 30FF. The construction of a 12-unit series of these ships showcases Japan's industrial capabilities because, if the pace is maintained, the Japanese fleet will be reinforced with eight modern frigates within just six years (more are likely to be ordered soon).

The Mogami-class frigates exemplify not only modernity but also the challenges faced by the Japanese armed forces. Tokyo must maintain extensive armed forces due to pressure from China and the formally unresolved war with Russia (after World War II, only an armistice was signed instead of peace). A country struggling with demographic issues must design its weapons to require as little manpower as possible.

This also applies to the new frigates. While the Mogami-class ships displace over 6,000 tons and are heavily armed, their crew, thanks to automation, has been reduced to just 90 people.

The unique Advanced Integrated Combat Information Center (AICIC) is a characteristic feature of Japanese ships. It takes the form of a circular room with walls covered in screens. These allow the center's crew to see the ship's surroundings enhanced with augmented reality elements, such as target or threat markers superimposed on the real image.

The Mogami-class ships are 436 feet long with a deck width of 52 feet and a total displacement reaching over 6,000 tons. The frigates can reach speeds of up to 34.5 mph. Their armament includes one 5-inch caliber gun, eight Type 17 anti-ship missile launchers, torpedo launchers, SeaRAM anti-aircraft missile launchers, and a 16-cell, universal Mk 41 VLS launcher.