JS Niyodo

Niyodo is a frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the seventh ship of the. She was named after the Niyodo River, and the second ship to be named so, after the Chikugo-class destroyer escort JDS Niyodo. The Imperial Japanese Navy had plans to name the second Oyodo-class cruiser after the Niyodo River, but her construction was cancelled.

Construction and career

Niyodo was ordered in March 2022 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program and was laid down at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard on 30 June 2022. She was named and launched on 26 September 2023. Although the Mk.41 VLS was included in the 2021 supplementary budget, it was decided that it will be fitted later due to the global semiconductor shortage. After fitting out and undergoing a series of sea trials, the ship was originally scheduled to be commissioned in December 2024. The schedule was later pushed back to 21 May 2025, and according to journalist Kosuke Takahashi, it is uncertain whether or not the delayed commissioning date allowed the Mark 41 VLS to be fitted, or a decision made by the JMSDF to equip the VLS during Niyodos fitting out process. While Niyodo was eventually commissioned and assigned to the 12th Escort Fleet based at Kure Naval Base|Kure], Takahashi disclosed a statement by the Public Relations Office of the Maritime Staff Office that the COVID-19 pandemic had also delayed the ship's entry to service.