Japan is preparing a new frigate model to compete with China and Russia

Japan’s newest multi‑mission frigate, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is officially joining the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force (JMSDF).

The 133‑meter vessel, named Yoshii after a river running through eastern Okayama Prefecture, becomes the 12th and final ship in the JMSDF’s Mogami‑class frigate program.

The naming and launch ceremony took place Monday at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, marking the first time a warship has ever carried the name Yoshii. The JMSDF expects to take delivery of the JS Yoshii on March 31, 2027, following an equipment and outfitting phase that will run through late 2026.

Japan’s push to bring this ship online is part of a broader effort to rapidly expand its fleet of compact, missile‑equipped multi‑mission frigates—an initiative aimed at strengthening deterrence against China and Russia in the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the wider Indo‑Pacific. The Mogami‑class program, which includes the JS Yoshii, has progressed at a surprisingly fast pace in recent years, underscoring Japan’s urgency in fielding these vessels.

Of the 12 Mogami‑class frigates planned, eight are already in service. The remaining four—including the JS Yoshii—are scheduled to enter service by March 2027, which will complete the JMSDF’s FFM production run. The Yoshii’s construction cost is estimated at 58.3 billion yen, roughly $345 million USD.

What sets the Mogami class apart

The Mogami class represents the JMSDF’s newest generation of stealth surface‑combat ships. They displace about 3,900 tons, reach speeds of roughly 30 knots, and feature smooth hull and superstructure lines designed to reduce radar signature. Their defining trait is versatility—paired with an advanced, built‑in mine‑warfare capability.

Mogami‑class frigates are built to handle anti‑submarine, anti‑air, and anti‑surface warfare during crises. In peacetime, they’re primarily used for surveillance and patrol missions. But as Japan ramps up efforts to counter China and Russia at sea, the presence and capabilities of this class have become increasingly central to the JMSDF’s strategy.

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