Tamiya 1/700 FFM-1 Mogami # 31037

JS Mogami (FFM-1) stands as the flagship of the Mogami-class frigates within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

She derives her name from the Mogami River and shares it with the historic World War II heavy cruiser Mogami and the Cold War destroyer escort Mogami.

Origin and Design

In 2015, Japan's defense budget set aside resources for exploring the development of a novel "compact-type hull destroyer with supplementary multifunctional capabilities.

This allocation also included plans for a fresh radar system for destroyers.

The same year saw Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) introduce the initial conceptual model (30FF) of the frigate, a project they had been advancing with their independent funds.

The 30DX design boasts an overall length of 130 meters, a width of 16 meters, a standard displacement of 3,900 tons with a full load displacement reaching approximately 5,500 tons, and a top speed surpassing 30 knots.

Armaments comprise a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations located above the bridge, 16 Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) units positioned at the bow, 8 anti-ship missiles, a SeaRAM launcher, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers.

Additionally, it has the capability to deploy and recover Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and sea mines via a rear ramp situated beneath the helideck. Anticipated utilization of a naval variant of the Type 03 Chū-SAM system is also part of the plan.

Construction and Operational History

The keel for Mogami was laid on October 29, 2019, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki shipyard, followed by her launch on March 3, 2021.

A four-month delay in the launch was attributed to challenges encountered with the British MT30 gas turbines.

Commissioning is slated for April 28, 2022, with her deployment planned for the Yokosuka Naval Base.

The commissioning ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Makoto Oniki, Vice Minister of Defense; Ryo Sakai, Chief of the Maritime Staff; and Atsuo Suzuki, Director General of the Defense Acquisition Agency.

MHI's Naohiko Abe, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Defense & Space Segment, was also in attendance.

Notably, upon completion, JS Mogami did not possess a Vertical Launch System (VLS). Nevertheless, provisions for the VLS were allocated in the budget, and plans were in motion for its future installation.