India-Japan Maritime Defense Ties Strengthened with Advanced Frigate Cooperation

Indian Navy Vice Chief Examines Japan's Advanced Mogami-Class Multirole Frigate

The Indian Navy's Vice Chief, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, recently visited Japan to strengthen India-Japan cooperation in the fields of shipbuilding and mine countermeasures. During his visit, he held bilateral consultations with Vice Admiral Yasuhiro Kunimi, Vice Chief of the Maritime Staff, and Lieutenant General Noriyuki Shirakawa, Vice Chief of the Joint Staff.

The visit aimed to explore possibilities for joint development under "Make in India," a program aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports. Vice Admiral Kochhar also met with Rear Admiral Toshiyuki Hirata and reaffirmed the commitment to continue close collaboration to strengthen India-Japan defense cooperation.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the inspection of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Escort Vessel "Mogami." The Mogami-class was designed from inception as a multi-mission frigate that would routinely deploy unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) alongside a manned hull, helicopter, and traditional anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures suites.

The class is the first Japanese frigate to embark both a UUV and a USV as standard elements of its mission system, not as ad-hoc additions. The design incorporates a stern ramp and mission bay under the flight deck for launch and recovery of these craft, while a full-size flight deck and hangar support an SH-60 series helicopter and, potentially, unmanned air systems as those programs mature.

The Mogami-class frigate, also known as 30FFM, is the JMSDF's stealthy multi-mission frigate, intended for surveillance missions in waters surrounding Japanese islands. It is equipped with enhanced multirole capabilities, including the ability to conduct anti-mine warfare operations.

Japan has offered India this warship for local manufacturing, which would further strengthen India-Japan cooperation in the maritime domain. The two nations have reaffirmed their shared understanding to further deepen cooperation in the maritime domain and explore new possibilities for collaboration.

The visit marks a significant step forward in India-Japan defense ties, with both nations committed to strengthening their cooperation in the fields of shipbuilding and mine countermeasures. The inspection of the Mogami-class frigate is a testament to the advanced capabilities of Japanese shipbuilding and the potential for collaboration between the two nations.

The Indian Navy's Vice Chief has returned to India, but the visit has left a lasting impact on India-Japan defense ties. The two nations are poised to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime domain, with the Mogami-class frigate serving as a symbol of their commitment to advancing their defense partnership.

The visit has also highlighted the importance of "Make in India" in promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports. The program aims to promote self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and reduce the country's reliance on foreign imports.

In conclusion, the Indian Navy's Vice Chief has played a crucial role in strengthening India-Japan defense ties, with the visit marking a significant step forward in the cooperation between the two nations. The inspection of the Mogami-class frigate is a testament to the advanced capabilities of Japanese shipbuilding and the potential for collaboration between the two nations.