The Role of the Mogami-Class
Contrary to concerns of the Mogami-Class ending up like the US Navy’s littoral combat ship (terminated due to cost overruns), Japan has managed to annually produce two vessels while simultaneously achieving cost reduction.
Initial plans intended a mass-production of 22 vessels, but this number was later revised to 12 ships due to the introduction of a new class of FFMs, which are basically upgraded versions of the Mogami-Class.
With this number, the FFMs will alleviate the burden of the “DD” destroyers by taking up peacetime roles of routine patrols, overseas deployment, and counter -piracy operations.
Moreover, the FFMs’ mine warfare capability allows the JMSDF to downsize its minesweeping units and redirect the personnel to other fleet units who desperately needs reinforcement.
Can it become the “saviour” of Japan’s navy? (photo credit: JMSDF)
In the event of a contingency, the FFMs are expected to deal with the so called “gray-zone situations” ranging from armed fishermen to hybrid warfare, and fulfill the roles of sea-lane defense, escort missions, and mine warfare.
By handling these tasks, the FFMs are expected to “liberate” the more heavily armed “DD” destroyers from low-threat missions, thus enabling them to focus on more high-demanding ones.
Nonetheless, it is also worth noting that since the Mogami-Class is capable of conducting conventional warfare (as mentioned previously), they are also expected to serve as reinforcements or reserves to back up the main fleet.
To sum it all up, the Mogami-Class enhances the JMSDF’s naval strength by providing a formidable and versatile force, while maximizing the efficiency of existing human resources.
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