Australia has chosen Japan’s improved Mogami-class frigate design for its future fleet of general-purpose frigates in a $6.5 billion deal. The agreement strengthens ties between the two U.S. Indo-Pacific allies and marks Japan’s first major defense export.
Strategic Alignment Drives Naval Upgrade
„Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” stated the Australian Defence Department.
A Fleet Built in Two Nations
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will acquire eleven frigates under the program. The first three ships will be constructed in Japan, with the remaining eight to be built in Western Australia, according to Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Rigorous Selection Process
Marles emphasized that the Japanese design was the superior option for the RAN after a thorough selection process. The Mogami-class outcompeted Germany’s TKMS with its MEKO A200 design.
Production Timeline
Japan will allocate three production slots at Mitsubishi’s shipyard to Australia, with the first ship slated for handover in 2029 and commissioning in 2030. The third vessel is expected to enter service in 2034.
Australian Shipbuilding Partnership
Production of the remaining seven ships will shift to the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. The Australian government has forged a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, a newly-established subsidiary of shipbuilder Austal.
Cost-Effectiveness and Schedule Adherence
Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy highlighted the Mogami-class’s superior operating costs over its lifespan. It was also the only design capable of meeting Australia’s strict timetable.
Strategic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Euan Graham of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute noted that for Washington, „It’s positive to have its two closest allies in the Western Pacific boosting their frontline naval capabilities and becoming more inter-operable with each other. There’s an important deterrent value to that signal of strategic cooperation in its own right.”
Minimal Changes for Program Efficiency
Marles confirmed that the Australian Mogami-class ships would feature minimal alterations from those destined for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ships will retain the Japanese combat system, with primary modifications to comply with Australian regulatory standards.
Blossoming Defense Relationship
Marles underscored that the selection of the improved Mogami-class signifies a pivotal moment in the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship. „There is no country in the world with whom we have a greater strategic alignment, and that is being reflected in a really blossoming defense relationship,” Marles stated.
Japan’s Landmark Arms Export
For Japan, this deal marks its first major arms export since the end of World War Two. Japanese officials aim for the Mogami deal to serve as a model for future exports, including a willingness to share intellectual property with customers.
Improved Mogami-Class Frigates
Japan currently has eight of the planned original Mogami-class frigates in service and will transition to the improved version in 2028. The JMSDF plans to acquire 12 improved Mogami-class frigates, which will be longer and equipped with advanced capabilities, including 32 Mk.41 Vertical Launch Systems for missiles.
Addressing Fleet Review Recommendations
The country initiated the general-purpose frigate acquisition program in 2023 after a surface fleet review revealed that the more expensive Hunter-class frigate program would face delays and budget overruns. The review also stressed the need for rapid acquisition due to the regional geostrategic situation and the aging ANZAC-class frigates.
