Japan has entered into a significant agreement with Austrian firm Palfinger Marine for the supply of advanced stern launch and recovery systems (Stern-LARS) for its upcoming FFM-class multirole frigates. This contract focuses on improved slipway technology intended for the first five frigates, which are scheduled to be constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries over a period from 2027 to 2036.
Palfinger’s innovative systems are engineered to facilitate the safe deployment and recovery of small boats and unmanned surface vehicles. By eliminating the reliance on lifting gear and reducing manual handling, these systems greatly minimize operational risks. Furthermore, they are designed for single-operator use, enabling faster turnaround times for mission-critical tasks.
The Salzburg-based manufacturer has a proven track record, having previously supplied similar systems for all 12 Mogami-class frigates, which were also built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Torstein Svane, global key account manager at Palfinger Marine, expressed pride in being selected once more as the supplier for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s future multirole frigates. He affirmed that the endorsement for their Stern-LARS solution highlights Palfinger’s robust engineering capabilities and ability to handle complex projects.
The new FFM-class vessels, referred to as “shingata” in Japan, will enhance the existing Mogami-class design, with alterations that include a hull length extension of 10 meters (33 feet) and an additional width of 1 meter (3 feet). These modifications aim to increase the vessels’ capacity to accommodate a broader range of missions, particularly with the rising emphasis on unmanned platforms.
The Mogami-class vessels, which entered service in 2022, were designed with versatility in mind, capable of conducting anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations, alongside mine countermeasure tasks. Recently, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has also launched the 11th ship in this series for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, marking a significant step in Japan’s naval capabilities and modernization efforts.
