In March, Japan’s Ministry of Defense Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) awarded two major contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), totaling over 151 billion yen ($1.03 billion), for the construction of a 14,500-tonne replenishment ship and two upgraded Mogami-class “New FFM” (06FFM) frigates for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced this week that it had signed a contract worth about 72 billion yen ($493 million) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in March to build a 14,500-tonne replenishment ship for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
ATLA also has awarded a contract worth 79.6 billion yen($545 million) the same month to MHI to build two upgraded Mogami-class frigates, called “New FFM” (新型ＦＦＭ or Shingata FFM) in Tokyo and also known as 06FFM.
The new replenishment ship, which will strengthen logistical support capabilities on the sea for other JMSDF vessels in any situation, is scheduled to be delivered in fiscal year 2028. The new ship will be the successor of JS Towada (AOE-422), according to the MoD.
In April, ATLA announced it plans to acquire five new replenishment ships by fiscal year 2036. The operating period of each ship is expected to be 40 years, with life cycle costs estimated at 977.2 billion yen ($6.7 billion).
The JMSDF currently has a total of five replenishment ships (AOE), namely three Towada-class and two Mashu-class. However, the new supply ship will have a standard displacement of 14,500 tons, much larger than the 8,100 tons of the Towada-class and the 13,500 tons of the Mashu-class. Thus, it will be the largest-ever replenishment ship in the JMSDF.
Mogami-class (foreground) compared to New FFM (background) at Indo Pacific 2024 exhibition. The two models are not in the same scale.
In April, ATLA announced it plans to acquire 12 new FFMs by fiscal year 2032 that will be “’Upgraded Mogami.’ The operating period of each ship is expected to be 40 years, with life cycle costs estimated at about 2.81 trillion yen ($19.2 billion).
The defense ministry earmarked 174 billion yen ($1.2 billion) in fiscal year 2024’s budget for the construction of first two new FFMs, which are scheduled to be commissioned in fiscal year 2028.
The defense ministry said the new-class FFM, which has a standard displacement of 4,800 tons, will be fitted with longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved capabilities for various maritime operations.
Currently, the Japanese government, in cooperation with the private sector, is aggressively promoting the new FFM in an effort to secure a contract for the joint development and production of Australia’s new general purpose frigates, referred to as the SEA 3000 Frigate Program, which replaces Royal Australian Navy’s ageing fleet of Anzac-class vessels.
While Tokyo has pitched the upgraded Mogami-class to Australia, Germany’s TKMS has offered its MEKO A-200 design.
The Australian government is expected to select the final shipbuilder this year, with the first ships due to be delivered by the end of 2029.
AloJapan.com