Asahi destroyers, European frigates and Japan's mixed fleet

How similar are Asahi-class destroyers to European frigates?

Their roles overlap, but the Japanese ships follow an escort-destroyer concept with a heavier fit in some respects and substantial internal redundancy.

Asahi-class destroyers perform roles comparable to European frigates, with more emphasis on the escort-destroyer concept and a heavier fit in some respects. Internal redundancy and survivability distinguish the Japanese approach. The replacement remains uncertain, with improved Asahi and Mogami-based possibilities discussed. Folding the requirement into Mogami is a cost-based prediction. Japan's several levels of surface combatant capability let it retain a more capable destroyer above the frigate. That can protect Mogami from demands to perform every role and preserve affordability. A prospective destroyer discussed for around 2031 could include hypersonic capability.