The ninth Mogami-class frigate JS Natori enters service as one of the first in class fitted with Mk 41 VLS from the outset and featuring a highly automated, network-centric CIC designed to run with ~90 crew versus ~200 on older destroyers. The article also highlights Japan’s follow-on “New FFM/06FFM” concept with doubled VLS capacity (32 cells) and integration of new long-range missiles, indicating a shift toward more missile-dense, manpower-efficient surface combatants prepared for unmanned teaming.
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navalside: otherfirst seen 2022-01-01
Japan commissions Mogami-class frigate Natori with Mk 41 VLS and high automation
SOURCES
- Naval News RSS · https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/japan-commissions-ninth-mogami-class-frigate-natori-%e3%80%8c%e3%81%aa%e3%81%a8%e3%82%8a%e3%80%8d/Japan Commissions Ninth Mogami-class Frigate ‘Natori’ 「なとり」