JS Noshiro

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Noshiro.

JS Noshiro (FFM-3) is the third ship of the Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She was named after the Noshiro River and shares her name with a World War II light cruiser Noshiro and Cold War destroyer escort Noshiro.

Noshiro during her launching ceremony, 22 June 2021.
History
Japan
Name	Noshiro (のしろ)
Namesake	Noshiro
Ordered	2019
Builder	Mitsubishi, Nagasaki
Laid down	15 July 2020
Launched	22 June 2021
Commissioned	15 December 2022
Identification	Pennant number: FFM-3
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class and type	Mogami-class frigate
Displacement	3,900 tons standard 5,500 tons full load
Length	133 m (436 ft 4 in)
Beam	16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	CODAG 1 × Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine 2 × MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engine
Speed	over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Boats & landing craft carried	2 × RHIB, UUV, USV
Crew	90
Sensors and processing systems	OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose AESA radar) OAX-3(EO/IR) OQQ-25 (VDS + TASS) OQQ-11 (Mine-hunting sonar) OYQ-1 (Combat management system) OYX-1-29 (Console display system)
Electronic warfare & decoys	NOLQ-3E (Passive radar system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna), Chaff dispenser
Armament	1 × 5 in (127 mm) Mk-45 Mod 4 naval gun 2 × missile canisters for a total of 8 Type 17 anti-ship missiles 1 × SeaRAM Type 12 torpedoes Simplified mine laying equipment 16 × Mk-41 VLS Naval version of Type 03 Chū-SAM 2 × Remote weapon station
Aircraft carried	1 × SH-60L helicopter
Aviation facilities	Single hangar

Development and design

Main article: Mogami-class frigate

In 2015 the Japanese defense budget allocated funds to study the construction of a new "compact-type hull destroyer with additional multi-functional capabilities" as well as a new radar system for the destroyer.^[1] In the same year Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled the frigate's first concept model (30FF) which they have been developing with their own funds.^[2][3]

The 30DX design has an overall length of 133 metres (436 ft 4 in), breadth of 16 metres (52 ft 6 in), a standard displacement of 3,900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5,500 tons, and a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).^[4] Weapons include a Mk 45 gun, two remote weapon stations above the bridge, 16 Mk 41 VLS at the bow, eight anti-ship missiles, one SeaRAM, an SH-60L helicopter, torpedoes, and decoy launchers. It can also deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and sea mines from the rear ramp beneath the helideck.^[5] It is also expected to use a naval version of the Type 03 Chū-SAM.^[6]

Construction and career

Noshiro was laid down on 15 July 2020 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki and launched on 22 June 2021.^[7][8] She was commissioned on 15 December 2022.^[9]