Japan commissions ninth Mogami-class frigate

The JMSDF ninth Mogami-class frigate, seen here in an image released by ATLA on 22 May 2026. (Japan MoD)

Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced on 22 May that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has taken delivery of its ninth Mogami-class frigate, JS Natori.

ATLA said a handover and an ensign conferment ceremony were conducted one day earlier at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' (MHI's) Nagasaki shipyard. The agency did not explicitly state that the ship had been commissioned, but ATLA imagery indicates that Natori has effectively entered operational service.

The delivery comes amid Japan's expanding defence industrial commitments – including a major frigate export programme for Australia – and indicates that the programme remains on track despite concerns over potential capacity constraints.

The ATLA images show the Rising Sun naval ensign hoisted at the stern, which is consistent with JMSDF commissioning practice, under which a vessel formally comes into service upon the hoisting of this symbol.

Natori is the ninth vessel in a planned class of 12 Mogami-class frigates. The ship was laid down in July 2023 and launched in June 2024, before delivery and entry into service following fitting-out and sea trials.

The Mogami class displaces about 3,900 tonnes standard, with an overall length of 132.5 m and a beam of 16.3 m. It employs a combined diesel and gas propulsion (CODAG) system, enabling speeds of over 30 kt, and is operated by a crew of around 90 personnel.

The class is equipped with a 127 mm main gun, a SeaRAM close-in weapon system, Type 17 anti-ship missiles, and a 16-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system for surface-to-air missiles, alongside torpedoes and mine warfare systems.