Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has held a launching and naming ceremony for the twelfth Mogami-class frigate, Yoshii, built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The ceremony took place at the company’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works on December 22, 2025.
The ship is the 12th of the 3,900-ton Mogami-class destroyers ordered in fiscal year 2023. The vessel was named Yoshii after the Yoshii River, which originates from Mount Mikuni and flows through the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture.
After outfitting work on the hull, engine, electrical equipment, and weapons systems is completed, the ship is scheduled to be handed over to the Ministry of Defense in fiscal year 2026.
The next-generation Mogami-class frigates measure 130 meters in length and 16 meters in beam, combining compact design with advanced capabilities.
Powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system, each ship features two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines alongside a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, allowing them to reach speeds of over 30 knots.
These multirole frigates are optimized for operations close to Japan’s shores, while retaining the flexibility to undertake a wide array of missions. Beyond traditional anti-piracy roles, they are expected to support international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, and their mine countermeasure capabilities further enhance their operational versatility in diverse maritime security scenarios.