Taiwan Eyes Japan's New FFM Frigate Design
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- ROC Navy is evaluating Japan’s New FFM (Upgraded Mogami‑class) frigate design as a candidate for its next‑generation 6,000‑ton combatant.
- Japan lifted its restriction on exporting warship blueprints to Taiwan, according to an anonymous source cited by UP MEDIA on 15 April 2026 amid deepening security cooperation.
- An influential figure asked Japan about joint warship development or blueprint provision for Taiwan’s next‑gen combatant; Japan did not oppose the request, as reported by LTN on 17 April 2026.
- ROC Navy emphasizes network‑centric warfare and automation, targeting a crew of about 100 and ruling out larger 10,000‑ton Aegis destroyers in favor of the New FFM’s stealth and automated systems.
- New FFM offers a combat management system, unmanned‑vehicle capability, and interoperability with U.S. weapons, matching Taiwan’s multi‑mission and crew‑efficiency goals.
- National Chung‑Shan Institute of Science & Technology will still equip the frigate with domestic weapon systems, even if Japan’s blueprints and combat management system are obtained.
- Yoshihiro Inaba explains that Japan’s policy shift to ease defense‑equipment exports is tempered by diplomatic risk, as exporting a major surface combatant to Taiwan would strain Japan‑China relations and be “extremely difficult.”
Why it matters: Taiwan stands to fast‑track its next‑gen frigate fleet with advanced stealth and automated systems, reducing crew size and enhancing interoperability with U.S. assets, while Japan’s willingness to share blueprints could strain its ties with China, limiting the deal’s feasibility in the near term.
