🚢 While the US Navy just cancelled its next-generation frigate program, Japan completed 12 warships in 5 years—on time and on budget. As Western nations struggle with shipbuilding, why does Japan stand out as a beacon of efficiency? Here's why Australia chose Japanese frigates over European competitors.
Japan Launches "Yoshii" - The Final Mogami-class Frigate
On December 22, 2025, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) held a naming and launching ceremony for the "Yoshii" at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki Shipyard. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended the ceremony and officially named the vessel.
The name "Yoshii" derives from the Yoshii River, a major river flowing through eastern Okayama Prefecture. This marks the first time in Japanese naval history—both the Imperial Navy and the JMSDF—that this name has been given to a vessel. Having been laid down in July 2024, the ship is scheduled to enter service around March 2027 after fitting out and sea trials.
12 Ships in 5 Years: A Remarkable Achievement
Construction of the Mogami-class began in fiscal year 2018. The first ship "Mogami" was launched in March 2021, while the second ship "Kumano" actually launched earlier in December 2020. Since then, the class has maintained a steady pace of approximately two ships per year, completing all 12 vessels within just five years.
Each ship takes about 18 months from keel-laying to launch, and approximately three years total until commissioning—remarkably short by global standards. European nations typically require 3-6 years to build destroyers or frigates of similar displacement, while American shipyards often take even longer.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki Shipyard built 10 of the 12 ships, with Japan Marine United handling the remaining two. This division of labor helped maintain the consistent construction pace.
Key Features of the Mogami-class
The Mogami-class is a 3,900-ton multi-function frigate (FFM) measuring 133 meters in length. Its key characteristics include several notable innovations.
While traditional JMSDF destroyers require around 200 crew members, the Mogami-class operates with only about 90 personnel. This crew reduction addresses Japan's ongoing military recruitment challenges through automation and streamlined operations. The ships feature smooth, angular hull designs that minimize radar cross-section, providing excellent stealth capabilities.
Additionally, these frigates are the first JMSDF escorts to incorporate mine countermeasure capabilities. In June 2025, a Mogami-class ship successfully conducted the JMSDF's first unmanned mine disposal operation using its Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system near Iwo Jima.
Japan's Excellence Amid Western Struggles
Japan's shipbuilding prowess becomes even more striking when compared to the challenges facing Western nations.
In November 2025, the US Navy announced the cancellation of most of its Constellation-class frigate program. Originally based on Italy's proven FREMM design when the contract was awarded in 2020, the program suffered from extensive specification changes that ballooned the design. The first ship, originally scheduled for delivery in 2026, was only 12% complete after five years. Navy Secretary John Phelan explained the cancellation by noting the ships would cost 80% as much as a destroyer while delivering only 60% of the capability.
Australia has also faced significant delays with its Hunter-class frigates, based on the British Type 26 design. Originally expected in the late 2020s, the first ship may not arrive until 2034 according to some reports.
In contrast, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries boasts a 35-year track record of on-time delivery for JMSDF vessels—a reliability that has earned international recognition.
Australia Selects Japanese Design
In August 2025, the Australian government announced the selection of Japan's "New FFM" (an upgraded Mogami variant) as its next general-purpose frigate. The contract is valued at approximately 100 billion AUD, making it Japan's first major warship export since World War II.
Schedule certainty was the decisive factor. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles cited several key reasons for the selection. The ships feature excellent stealth performance and 32 vertical launch cells, along with advanced radar and sonar systems. They can operate with just 90 crew members, offering superior long-term cost efficiency. Their 10,000 nautical mile range provides extensive operational reach. And most importantly, Japan was assessed as capable of meeting delivery schedules.
The first three ships will be built in Japan and delivered to the Royal Australian Navy by 2029. Ships four through eleven will be constructed in Australia.
The New FFM and Future Prospects
With the completion of the 12 Mogami-class ships, Japan will now focus on building 12 "New FFM" vessels with enhanced capabilities. The upgraded design increases displacement to 4,800 tons and will carry more powerful air defense missiles and long-range standoff weapons.
The Ministry of Defense plans to build these ships at an even faster pace—completing all 12 between fiscal years 2024 and 2028. Some years will see three ships under construction, pushing Japan's shipbuilding capacity to new heights.
Interest has also come from Indonesia and New Zealand, suggesting new opportunities for Japanese defense equipment exports.
Japan's shipbuilding industry has become a global standout through efficient production systems, the transmission of skilled craftsmanship, and rigorous quality control. As Western nations struggle with declining shipbuilding capabilities, Japan's strengths have been convincingly demonstrated.
How is warship construction going in your country? Are delays and cost overruns a problem? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
References
- https://motor-fan.jp/article/1378377/
- https://www.mhi.com/jp/news/25122203.html
- https://trafficnews.jp/post/618493
- https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/japan-wins-australias-multi-billion-dollar-frigate-project/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogami-class_frigate
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/mogami-advancing-australia-japan-defense-cooperation
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/11/asia/japan-australia-frigate-deal-intl-hnk-ml
Reactions in Japan
All 12 Mogami-class ships launched on schedule! While the US cancels its frigate program, Japan's shipbuilding capability is proven once again. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries delivers.
The name 'Yoshii' is a first in both Imperial Navy and JMSDF history. It comes from the Yoshii River in Okayama. Still waiting for a Kanto-derived name though—hoping for the New FFM series.
I work at Nagasaki Shipyard, and the Mogami-class construction went really smoothly. Now we'll be even busier with the New FFM and Australian orders. Time to show what we can do.
Aren't frigate construction costs getting higher and higher? 116.6 billion yen for ships 11 and 12 means 58.3 billion per ship. I question whether this is a good use of tax money.
Australia chose Japan because of on-time delivery. They must have learned their lesson from the Hunter-class delays. Trust in Japan's shipbuilding industry is significant.
The Mogami-class crew reduction design is excellent for addressing the declining birth rate. Operating with 90 people is less than half of before. But they need to resolve the VLS post-delivery installation issue soon.
Doesn't exporting warships go against post-war Japan's principles? The frigate export to Australia should be considered carefully. What happened to the spirit of the Three Principles on Arms Exports?
A trillion-yen export deal is huge for Japan's economy. It also helps maintain the defense industrial base. This is no time for pacifist complacency.
They're apparently exporting the UNICORN electronic warfare system to India too. Mogami-class technology spreading globally proves Japan's technological prowess. Makes me proud.
With China having over 400 ships, Japan needs to increase its fleet quickly. 24 ships with Mogami plus New FFM is reassuring, but still not enough.
Defense Minister Koizumi attended the launching ceremony! It's important for politicians to visit the field. I'll keep supporting the JMSDF! 🇯🇵
Operating with 90 people sounds good, but fewer personnel means more burden per person. I wonder if crew reduction and work style reform can coexist.
After seeing the Constellation-class cancellation news, you really understand how superior Japan's shipbuilding is. Even America is in this state.
The Yoshii River's name on a frigate! As someone from Okayama, I'm happy. When it's commissioned, I want to go see it at Kure or Maizuru.
Japan's shipbuilding is being overtaken by Korea and China in commercial vessels, but military ships remain strong. Maintaining and developing this technology serves the national interest.
As an Australian, I support the government's decision to choose Japanese frigates. We were really fed up with the Hunter-class delays. I trust Japan will keep their promises.
As an American, I'm embarrassed. While our Navy cancels its frigate program, Japan built 12 ships in 5 years. What accounts for this difference? The US shipbuilding industry is in crisis.
It's disappointing that the British Type 26 is causing problems in Australia. We should learn from Japan's efficient construction system. BAE Systems needs to reflect on this.
It's disappointing that Germany's MEKO A-200 lost to Japan, but it was a fair competition. Japan's track record and delivery reliability must be acknowledged. TKMS should prepare for next time.
Japan's frigate exports need to be watched closely. This could affect the military balance in the Asia-Pacific region. China needs to be vigilant.
It's disappointing that Korea's Daegu-class wasn't selected, but Japan does have a solid track record in naval shipbuilding. Hanwha Ocean needs to become more competitive.
Naval Group of France just lost the Australian submarine contract. Now Japan wins the frigate contract. It's time for France's defense industry to review its strategy.
I heard New Zealand is also showing interest in Japan's Mogami-class. Considering interoperability with Australia, it might be a logical choice.
As a retired US Navy officer, I must say Japan's shipbuilding capability is truly impressive. America has learned nothing from the LCS failure.
Spain's Navantia also participated in the Australian bid. It's unfortunate that Alfa3000 wasn't selected, but Japan's proposal seems to have been more attractive.
I work in the Australian shipbuilding industry, and I expect we'll learn a lot from cooperation with Japan. Eight ships will be built domestically, so I'm looking forward to technology transfer.
Canada is also struggling with shipbuilding delays. We should emulate Japan's efficient approach. Why are Western nations struggling so much with shipbuilding?
Italy's FREMM was the base for America's Constellation-class, but it was ruined by specification changes. Japan manages customer requirements well.
For Taiwan, Japan's strengthened shipbuilding capacity is positive for regional security. Japan-US-Australia cooperation is important to counter the Chinese threat.
India is also considering adopting the UNICORN electronic warfare system. I hope defense cooperation with Japan deepens. An important step as QUAD partners.