The JMSDF's second Mogami-class frigate, JS Kumano, seen here while it was at Changi Naval Base for IMDEX 2023. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)
In a bid to improve the Mogami class's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, Japan has begun installing the vertical launching system (VLS) on selected hulls of the guided-missile frigate.
In response to questions from Janes , a spokesperson from the country's Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed that all frigates after the seventh and eighth of class onwards will be inducted into service with the weapon system already installed. These refer to Niyodo and Yubetsu , which have been given pennant numbers 7 and 8 respectively.
This is unlike earlier vessels in the class, all of which have, or will be commissioned on a fitted-for-but-not-with (FFBNW) basis.
Subsequently for these vessels that are already in service, VLS installation will be undertaken when the warships are scheduled for their periodic inspections or maintenance periods, the spokesperson said.
The VLS comprises 16 cells, each of which will feature an initial loadout of vertical-launch anti-submarine rockets (VL-ASROCs).
This VLS has been developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) under a licensed production agreement with Lockheed Martin and it will be located in the vessel's forward section just ahead of its bridge.
The spokesperson did not name the VL-ASROC that will be deployed from the VLS, but it presumably refers to the MHI-developed Type 07 rocket that can be armed with the Type 97 torpedo.
In addition, there are plans to deploy anti-air missiles from the VLS in the future, but the MoD is unable to release further details for now, the spokesperson added.
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