Japan's Mogami class proves out unmanned MCM capabilities

The JMSDF's second Mogami-class frigate, JS Kumano , seen here while it was at Changi Naval Base for IMDEX 2023. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Mogami-class frigate has proven out its ability to conduct unmanned mine countermeasure (MCM) operations.

A statement provided by Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) to Janes on 9 July confirmed that the first-of-class, JS Mogami, carried out an actual disposal operation on a live mine in June.

The statement contained details first presented in a press conference held by the JMSDF on 17 June.

In the statement, the service revealed that Mogami carried out the unmanned MCM operation over two days from 15 to 16 June in waters near Iwo Jima.

“This marks the first time for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to dispose of live mines using unmanned systems,” the service's Chief of Staff Admiral Akira Saito said at the press conference.

“We believe this has further enhanced our mine countermeasure capabilities,” he added.

As part of the disposal, Mogami deployed an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and expendable mine disposable device.

While no further specifications on these systems were provided, the JMSDF is known to have received the Umikaze USV from Japanese company IHI Corporation.

This 11 m USV can embark the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) OZZ-5 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), which is equipped with a Thales's Synthetic Aperture Mine Detection Imaging Sonar (SAMDIS) high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS).

The Umikaze USV is also equipped with a remote-controlled mine disposal charge, an IHI official said, who spoke to Janes at the DSEI Japan 2025 exhibition held in Chiba from 21 to 23 May.