Tag Archives: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)

Navy

JS Niyodo (FFM-7)

Leave a comment

According to Naval News, named Niyodo, the Mogami-class vessel (pennant number FFM-7) entered the water during a ceremony held on September 26 at the company’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagasaki Prefecture. It is expected to enter Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) service sometime in fiscal year 2024 after the fitting out stage of the frigate and a variety of performance tests.

JS Niyodo (FFM-7)
Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) launched on September 26, 2023 the seventh (of a planned fleet of 12) Mogami-class multirole frigate for the JMSDF

The vessel is named after the Niyodo River, a river in the Shikoku region of southwestern Japan. All ships of the class are named after famous rivers in Japan. There was another JMSDF ship with the same name, which is JDS Niyodo (DE-221), or the seventh Chikugo-class ship. JDS Niyodo (DE-221) was launched in August 1973 and decommissioned in June 1999.

JS Niyodo (FFM-7) is being built for about 47.4 billion yen ($318 million) under a contract awarded in March 2022, according to info obtained from the JMSDF and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

 

Mogami-class specifications and systems

As with the other ships of the class, Niyodo has a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons (a standard displacement of 3,900 tons), with a length of 132.5 meters/434.7 feet, a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet, a hull draught of 9 meters/29.5 feet, according to MHI. This compact hull makes it fast and maneuverable, with a top speed of more than 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 kph.

The Mogami-class frigate has a low crew complement of about 90 sailors (out of whom 10 are female), indicating a high level of automation on board.

The JMSDF has repeatedly emphasized that the Mogami-class is the first JMSDF vessels aimed at saving manpower and reducing ship construction costs, taking into consideration the JMSDF’s manpower shortage and Japan’s tight finances being caused by the declining birthrate and aging population.

For reference, the JMSDF’s Asahi-class destroyer JS Shiranui (DD-120), built at the same shipyard in Nagasaki, has a standard displacement of 5,100 tons, a length of 151 meters/495.4 feet, and a beam of 18.3 meters/60 feet, all of which clearly show how compact the FFM hull is. In addition, the Asahi-class has a crew complement of about 230, meaning the Mogami-class requires less than half the manpower to operate. On top of this, the construction cost of the Mogami-class is only about two-thirds of that of the Asahi-class, which costs more than 70 billion yen per ship ($470 million).

The Mogami-class is powered by a COMbined Diesel And Gas (CODAG) propulsion system featuring two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, which provide a total of 70,000 horsepower/51.5 MW. The Mogami class marks the first installment of a CODAG system on any JMSDF ship.

Armaments on the frigates include a BAE Systems 5-inch (127-mm)/62-caliber naval gun on the foredeck of the ship, two launchers for a total of eight MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles, also known as the SSM-2, and a Raytheon 11-cell SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) that can deploy RIM-116C Block 2 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAMs).

The frigates are also equipped with the OQQ-25 variable depth sonar and towed array sonar systems for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. The ships will also be equipped with a MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).

 

Mogami-class as a Mothership

Besides anti-air, anti-surface and ASW capabilities, the Mogami-class has also been designed to undertake operations as a «mother ship» for an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) and an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), both of which will see the first installment on any Japanese frigate ever. This aims to enhance the UUV’s Mine CounterMeasure (MCM) functions.

ATLA has said that the Mogami-class will be equipped with MHI’s OZZ-5 used for MCM operations as a UUV.

The system serves an automatic detection and classification function to alleviate operator workload in processing collected data.

The OZZ-5 UUV, which measures 4 meters/13.1 feet long and 0.5 meter/1.64 foot wide with a displacement of 950 kg/1094 lbs., is equipped with Japan’s NEC-made low-frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) and France’s Thales-made high-frequency SAS combinedly, which is designed to ensure a robust MCM capability for the detection and classification of different mine threats in a range of environments.

The UUV is powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

 

Mogami-class missions

According to the JMSDF, the Mogami-class is intended for surveillance missions in waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago, including the East China Sea. It will be equipped with enhanced multirole capabilities, including the ability to conduct anti-mine warfare operations, which until recently had been mainly performed by the JMSDF’s ocean-going minesweepers.

As neighboring China expands the size and capabilities of its naval forces, the Mogami-class is intended for surveillance missions in waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago. In particular, the JMSDF plans to enhance maritime security to defend the southwestern Nansei Islands, including the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, by boosting its patrol activities using compact FFM multi-mission frigates. The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan.

 

FFM program: What’s next?

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 under its Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP) for fiscal years 2019-23, which was approved in December 2018.

However, in late August 2023, the defense ministry for the first time explained at its budget request for the next fiscal year 2024 that it has decided to now procure a total of only 12 such frigates until 2023, with plans to construct a new class of 12 FFMs from fiscal year 2024. The new frigates will be virtually improved Mogami-class ships.

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 MoD documents, released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on August 31, said the new-class FFM has a standard displacement of 4,500 tons. Meanwhile, according to MHI’s proposal of the new-class FFM, which was officially released by the 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 meters/465.9 feet, and a wider overall beam of about 17 meters/55.8 feet. The new vessels have a top speed of more than 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 kph, according to MHI’s proposal. 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.

Navy

Fourth Mogami-Class Frigate

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd. held a delivery ceremony and a «self-defense ship flag raising ceremony» on March 7, 2023 for the ‘Mikuma’. The event means the ship, the fourth Mogami-class FFM, was officially commissioned with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Mikuma (FFM-4)
Japan Commissions Fourth Mogami-Class Frigate JS Mikuma (FFM-4)

JS Mikuma (FFM-4) named after the Mikuma River (Mikuma-gawa) located in Oita Prefecture was launched by local shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki on 10 December 2021.

The FFM (also known as 30FFM and previously known as 30DX) is the next generation multi-mission frigate designed for the JMSDF. A total number of 22 Frigates are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

The two shipyards in charge of building the first two frigates of the class are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki and Mitsui E&S in Okayama.

 

Mogami-class FFM

According to MHI, the FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters/435 feet and a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

The FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below:

  • BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch/127-mm naval gun system ×1;
  • Japan Steel Works 12.7-mm Remote Weapon System ×2;
  • 41 VLS;
  • Raytheon SeaRAM ×1;
  • MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles ×8;
  • Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar;
  • Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors;
  • Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar;
  • NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (Variable Depth Sonar/Towed Array Sonar Systems – VDS/TASS);
  • UUV (OZZ-5 by MHI) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for mine counter measures;
  • Sea mines for offensive mine warfare.

 

Funding for the installation of Mk.41 VLS

Initially, the Mogami-class was only «Fitted For But Not With» (FFBNW) Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This changed at the end of 2021: in late November, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the supplementary budget for FY2021, which included a budget for two VLSs sets for FFM ships. Two FFM frigates will get 16 cells each (allowing for a total of 32 quad-parcked ESSM each). The total supplementary budget is about $6.8 billion, of which about $74 million is for the purchase of the VLS shipsets. Originally, the FFM 9 and 10 specified in the defense budget request for FY2022 included a budget for VLS. Therefore the VLS specified in this supplemental budget is for installation on any of the FFM ships 1 through 8.

Navy

Noshiro

According to Naval News, on December 15, 2022, the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces (JMSDF) commissioned the third Mogami-class frigate, JS Noshiro (FFM-3), with a ceremony held at Nagasaki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

JS Noshiro (FFM-3)
JMSDF Commissions 3rd Mogami-Class Frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3)

During the ceremony, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries flag was lowered and the JMSDF flag was raised. JS Noshiro‘s (FFM-3) keel was laid on July 15, 2020, and launched on June 22, 2021. The frigate is commissioned ten months after its launching.

JS Noshiro (FFM-3) takes its name from the Japanese river Noshiro, she shares her name with a World War II light cruiser and a Cold War destroyer escort.

The FFM (also known as 30FFM and previously known as 30DX) is the next generation multi-mission frigate designed for the JMSDF. A total number of 22 Frigates are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

The two shipyards in charge of building the first two frigates of the class are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki and Mitsui E&S in Okayama.

According to MHI, the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters/434.7 feet and a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

Initially, the Mogami-class was only «fitted for but not with» (FFBNW) Mk. 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This changed at the end of 2021: According to Japan-based contributor, Yoshihiro Inaba, in late November, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the supplementary budget for FY2021, which included a budget for two VLSs sets for FFM ships. Two FFM frigates will get 16 cells each (allowing for a total of 32 quad-parcked ESSM each). The total supplementary budget is about $6.8 billion, of which about $74 million is for the purchase of the VLS shipsets. Originally, the FFM 9 and 10 specified in the defense budget request for FY2022 included a budget for VLS. Therefore, the VLS specified in this supplemental budget is for installation on any of the FFM ships 1 through 8.

The FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below.

  • BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch/127-mm naval gun system ×1
  • Japan Steel Works 12.7-mm Remote Weapon System ×2
  • 41 VLS
  • Raytheon SeaRAM ×1
  • MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles ×8
  • Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
  • Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors
  • Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
  • NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS – Variable Depth Sonar/Towed Array Sonar System)
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (OZZ-5 by MHI) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (unknown type) for mine counter measures
  • Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

 

Navy

3rd Taigei-Class Submarine

According to Naval News, Japan’s newest submarine JS Jingei (SS-515) was launched on October 12, 2022 at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) shipyard in Kobe. It is the third boat of the new Taigei-class, the latest class of advanced diesel electric submarines (SSK) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Jingei (SS-515)
MHI Launches ‘Jingei’ – 3rd Taigei-Class Submarine for the JMSDF

Jingei means «fast swimming whale» in Japanese and was once used as the name of a submarine tender of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Taigei-class submarines are named after whales or large fishes.

The first submarine of the class, Taigei (meaning «Great Whale») was launched by MHI in October 2020 and commissioned with the JMSDF in March 2022. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) launched the second one, Hakugei (meaning «White Whale»), in October 2021. Jingei is set to be delivered to the JMSDF in 2023.

The external appearance of the Taigei is not much different from the Sōryū-class, but inside of it is a completely different submarine. First, the Taigei uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the 4V-275R Mk. III Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which was installed aboard the first 10 Sōryū-class submarines.

Secondly, the capabilities of the sonar and combat command system have been improved, as well as the use of new acoustic absorbent materials and a floating floor structure to make it quieter. It is also equipped with Torpedo Counter Measures (TCM), which eject decoys to evade enemy torpedoes for improved survivability.

The first-in-class Taigei will be used as a test submarine, according to the «National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2019 and beyond» published in December 2018. In other words, Taigei will be the dedicated ship to conduct all future tests of technology related to JMSDF submarines.

Navy

After the Yahagi River

According to Naval News, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki launched on June 23, 2022 JS Yahagi (FFM-5), the fifth Mogami-class vessel. Also known as FFM, it is a next generation frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Yahagi (FFM-5)
The newest FFM was named Yahagi

The first ship-in-class, JS Mogami (FFM-1), was launched in March 2021 by MHI and commissioned with the JMSDF in April this year. Another shipyard, Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding located in Okayama launched the second ship of the class, JS Kumano (FFM-2), back in November 2020. The third vessel in the series, JS Noshiro (FFM-3), was launched by MHI in June 2021 while the fourth FFM, JS Mikuma (FFM-4), was launched by the same shipyard in December 2021.

The vessel is named after the Yahagi River (矢作川, Yahagi-gawa) which flows through Nagano, Gifu and Aichi prefectures. All ships of the class are named after famous rivers in Japan. The shipyard will now proceed to the fitting out stage of the frigate, ahead of its delivery and commissioning set for the end of 2023.

 

Mogami-class FFM characteristics

According to MHI, the FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters/434.7 feet and a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

The FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below:

  • BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch/127-mm naval gun system ×1
  • Japan Steel Works 12.7-mm Remote Weapon System ×2
  • 41 VLS
  • Raytheon SeaRAM ×1
  • MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles ×8
  • Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
  • Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 Electro-Optical and InfraRed (EO/IR) sensors
  • Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
  • NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (Variable Depth Sonar, VDS/Towed Array Sensor System, TASS)
  • UUV (OZZ-5 by MHI) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) unknown type for mine counter measures
  • Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

 

Funding for the installation of Mk.41 VLS

Initially, the Mogami-class was only «fitted for but not with» (FFBNW) Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This changed at the end of 2021: in late November, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the supplementary budget for FY2021, which included a budget for two VLSs sets for FFM ships. Two FFM frigates will get 16 cells each (allowing for a total of 32 quad-packed ESSM each). The total supplementary budget is about $6.8 billion, of which about $74 million is for the purchase of the VLS shipsets. Originally, the FFM 9 and 10 specified in the defense budget request for FY2022 included a budget for VLS. Therefore, the VLS specified in this supplemental budget is for installation on any of the FFM ships 1 through 8.

Navy

Fourth FFM Frigate

According to Naval News, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki launched on December 10, 2021 JS Mikuma (FFM-4), the fourth Mogami-class vessel. Also known as FFM, it is a next generation frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Mikuma (FFM-4)
Launch ceremony of the fourth Mogami-class frigate JS Mikuma (FFM-4) (JMSDF picture)

The first ship-in-class, JS Mogami (FFM-1), was launched in March 2021 by MHI while another shipyard, Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding located in Okayama launched the second ship of the class, JS Kumano (FFM-2), back in November 2020. The third vessel in the series, JS Noshiro (FFM-3), was launched by MHI in June 2021.

The vessel is named after the Mikuma River (Mikuma-gawa) located in Oita Prefecture, Kyusu. All ships of the class are named after famous rivers in Japan. The shipyard will now proceed to the fitting out stage of the frigate, ahead of its delivery and commissioning set for end of 2022/beginning of 2023.

The FFM (also known as 30FFM and previously known as 30DX) is the next generation multi-mission frigate designed for the JMSDF. A total number of 22 Frigates are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

The two shipyards in charge of building the first two frigates of the class are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki and Mitsui E&S in Okayama.

 

Mogami-class FFM characteristics

According to MHI, the FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters/434.7 feet and a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

The FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below:

  • BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch/127-mm naval gun system ×1
  • Japan Steel Works 12.7-mm Remote Weapon System ×2
  • 41 VLS
  • Raytheon SeaRAM ×1
  • MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles ×8
  • Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
  • Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 Electro-Optical and InfraRed (EO/IR) sensors
  • Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
  • NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (Variable Depth Sonar, VDS/Towed Array Sensor System, TASS)
  • UUV (OZZ-5 by MHI) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) unknown type for mine counter measures
  • Sea mines for offensive mine warfare

 

Funding for the installation of Mk.41 VLS

Initially, the Mogami-class was only «fitted for but not with» (FFBNW) Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This changed at the end of 2021: in late November, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the supplementary budget for FY2021, which included a budget for two VLSs sets for FFM ships. Two FFM frigates will get 16 cells each (allowing for a total of 32 quad-packed ESSM each). The total supplementary budget is about $6.8 billion, of which about $74 million is for the purchase of the VLS shipsets. Originally, the FFM 9 and 10 specified in the defense budget request for FY2022 included a budget for VLS. Therefore, the VLS specified in this supplemental budget is for installation on any of the FFM ships 1 through 8.

Navy

Third 30FFM Frigate

According to Naval News, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki launched on Jun 22, 2021 JS Noshiro (FFM-3), the third Mogami-class vessel. Also known as 30FFM, it is a next generation frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

JS Noshiro (FFM-3)
Japan’s MHI launches JS Noshiro (FFM-3) the third 30FFM Mogami-class frigate for the JMSDF

The first ship-in-class, JS Mogami (FFM-1), was launched in March 2021 by MHI (Naval News was on site to cover the event) while another shipyard, Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding located in Okayama launched the second ship of the class, JS Kumano (FFM-2), back in November 2020. This is because Mitsui E&S received a subcontracting order from MHI (the main contractor) for the construction of the 3,900-ton frigate for the JMSDF.

The vessel is named after the Noshiro River (Noshiro-gawa) located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. According to the JMSDF «The Noshiro River has supported tens of thousands of people since ancient times». The shipyard will now proceed to the fitting out stage of the frigate, ahead of its delivery and commissioning set for 2022

30FFM (also known as FFM and previously known as 30DX) is the next generation multi-mission frigate designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. A total number of 22 Frigates are expected to be procured for the JMSDF.

The two shipyards in charge of building the first two frigates of the class are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki and Mitsui E&S in Okayama.

According to MHI, the 30FFM multi-mission frigate will have a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, with a length of 132.5 meters/434.7 feet and a beam of 16.3 meters/53.5 feet. It will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h. The crew complement will be quite low, at about 90 sailors, indicating a high level of automation on board.

The 30FFM will be equipped with a wide variety of weapons and systems as listed below.

  • BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch/127-mm naval gun system × 1
  • Japan Steel Works 12.7-mm Remote Weapon System × 2
  • 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) fitted for but not with
  • Raytheon SeaRAM × 1
  • MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles × 8
  • Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
  • Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3EO/IR sensors
  • Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
  • NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS)
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) OZZ-5 by MHI and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) unknown type for mine counter measures
  • Sea mines for offensive mine warfare
Navy

Great Whale

According to Naval News, Japan’s newest submarine JS Taigei (SS-513) (previously known as 29SS) was launched on October 14, 2020 at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) shipyard in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.

JS Taigei (SS-513)
The external appearance of the JS Taigei (SS-513) is not much different from the Sōryū-class, but inside of it is a completely different submarine (Japan MoD picture)

Taigei means «Great Whale» in Japanese and was once used as the name of a submarine tender of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) uses the names of submarines to refer to (1) things related to oceanographic phenomena, (2) legendary creatures and (3) underwater animals. This leaves three main classes of submarines to be operated by the JMSDF in the future: the Oyashio-class is named after underwater currents and tides, the Sōryū-class submarines are named after dragons, and it appears that the new Taigei-class will be named after whales or large fishes.

The external appearance of the JS Taigei (SS-513) is not much different from the Sōryū-class, but inside of it is a completely different submarine. First, the JS Taigei (SS-513) uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the 4V-275R Mk. III Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which was installed aboard the first 10 Sōryū-class submarines.

Secondly, the capabilities of the sonar and combat command system have been improved, as well as the use of new accoustic absorbent materials and a floating floor structure to make it quieter. It is also equipped with Torpedo Counter Measures (TCM), which ejects decoys to evade enemy torpedoes for improved survivability.

The JS Taigei (SS-513) is scheduled to be commissioned into the JMSDF in March 2022, after which it will be used as a test submarine, according to the «National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2019 and beyond» published in December 2018. In other words, JS Taigei (SS-513) will be the dedicated ship to conduct all future tests of technology on JMSDF submarines.

 

Basic Specifications

Standard Displacement about 3000 tons
Length 84 meters/275.6 feet
Total width 9.1 meters/29.8 feet
Crew about 70
Propulsion Diesel Electric Propulsion (with lithium-ion batteries)

 

Air Force, Fighters

Japan Super Interceptor

Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) recently signed a Direct Commercial Sale agreement to support upgrades to Japan’s F-15J fleet.

Artist’s rendering of upgraded JASDF F-15JSI (Boeing rendering)

The contract is part of a larger $4.5 billion modernization program, announced by the U.S. Government in October 2019. The upgrades will introduce state-of-the-art electronic warfare and weapons. An all-new advanced cockpit system, running on the world’s most advanced mission computer, will deliver pilots enhanced situational awareness.

Under the agreement, Boeing will provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration.

Boeing has partnered with MHI in the defense arena since the 1950s. MHI produced under license the current Japan F-15J fleet of over 200 aircraft between 1980 and 2000, and will serve as prime contractor for the upgrade. Sojitz Corporation, a trading company that works with Boeing’s team in Japan, will support this effort.

«Through this agreement, Boeing is honored to further our long-standing tradition of support for Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and MHI», said Will Shaffer, Boeing Japan President. «These upgrades will deliver critical capability for national and collective self-defense, in which the F-15J plays a key role. At the same time, they will provide MHI and our partners in Japan’s aerospace defense industry with an opportunity to enhance their own extensive engineering capabilities».

This DCS contract lays the foundation of the modernization program. MHI will develop the detailed modification plan for the jets and prepare the facilities and workforce for the induction and upgrade of up to 98 aircraft beginning in 2022.

Navy

Multirole Frigate

According to the post Kosuke Takahashi, correspondent of the magazine IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) announced on 1 November that it has been awarded a contract by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) to build the first two of four ships of a new class of multirole frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

MHI has been awarded a contract by the Japanese MoD to build the first two of four ships of a new class of multirole frigate (seen here in computer-generated imagery) for the JMSDF (Source: MHI)
MHI has been awarded a contract by the Japanese MoD to build the first two of four ships of a new class of multirole frigate (seen here in computer-generated imagery) for the JMSDF (Source: MHI)

Although MHI did not disclose the value of the contract, the MoD had earmarked JPY92.2 billion (USD816 million) in its budget for fiscal year 2018 for the construction of the two 426-foot/130-meter-long, 42.6-foot/13-meter-wide frigates, which are expected to be handed over to the JMSDF in March 2022.

In August the MoD requested JPY99.5 billion from Tokyo for the construction of the two remaining vessels, with delivery expected to take place in March 2023. However, the contract for these two ships has yet to be awarded.

MHI’s frigate design and proposal were selected over those submitted by Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding (MES) and Japan Marine United. MES, however, was chosen to be the subcontractor.

Construction of the first 3,900 tonne ship will take place at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagasaki Prefecture, while the second one will be built at MES’s Tamano Shipyard in Okayama Prefecture. The arrangement marks the first time that MHI will build a ship as the lead contractor.

According to the MoD, this new frigate class, which is intended to carry out surveillance missions in waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago, will be equipped with enhanced multirole capabilities, including the ability to conduct anti-mine warfare operations, which until now have been performed by the JMSDF’s ocean-going minesweepers.

Armament on the frigates, each of which will be capable of embarking one helicopter as well as unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, is expected to include the navalised version of the Type-03 (also known as the «Chū-SAM Kai») medium-range surface-to-air missile, a 5-inch (127-mm)/62-calibre gun, a Vertical Launch System (VLS), canister-launched anti-ship missiles, and a SeaRAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) close-in weapon system.