The compact, minimally crewed Mogami class combines frigate duties with uncrewed mine-countermeasures work previously assigned to dedicated vessels. Japan commissioned the seventh and eighth ships in May and June 2025, continuing a pace of roughly two deliveries per year since 2022. The year's two new surface ships produced a net increase of one major unit because an older destroyer transferred to training duties. Orders shifted in the financial year 2024 budget toward a larger upgraded variant after twelve original Mogamis had been ordered. Twelve upgraded ships were envisaged, with orders intended to finish by financial year 2028. Approving three in the 2025 budget formed part of that acceleration.
Chapter · 7:10-8:20
Mogami frigates sustain Japan's surface-fleet growth
The Mogami program uses rapid serial construction and small crews to expand Japan's frigate and mine-warfare capacity.