Australia selects Japan’s Mogami frigate in AU$10 b deal
Australia’s government has officially selected Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s new SEA 3000 general-purpose frigate program. Valued at up to AU$10 billion (about US$6.5 billion), the deal covers the delivery of 11 advanced stealth frigates, marking a historic and strategic milestone in Australia–Japan defense cooperation.
The decision announced on 5 August 2025; followed an intensive competitive process, in which Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) emerged victorious over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ MEKO A-200 design.
Key Highlights of the Deal:
- Design and Capabilities: The upgraded Mogami-class frigates feature stealth hulls, a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, and a 32-cell vertical launch system for long-range missiles.
- Crew and Automation: These vessels are highly automated and can operate with only 90 sailors, significantly fewer than the aging Anzac-class frigates.
- Production Plan: The first three frigates will be constructed in Japan, with deliveries beginning in 2029 and operational service expected by 2030. The remaining eight will be built in Western Australia, supporting local shipbuilding and workforce development.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles described the procurement as critical for enhancing Australia’s naval projection capabilities. He emphasized that the upgraded Mogami supports both strategic urgency and regional deterrence.
Japan’s Minister of Defence, Gen Nakatani, highlighted the export as a significant advancement in Japan’s defense cooperation and interoperability with Australia and the U.S.
Broader Impact and Strategic Context
This high-profile export is Japan’s largest-ever defense export, signaling a post-2014 shift after lifting its arms export restrictions. It complements Australia’s wider naval expansion, which includes the acquisition of Hunter-class heavy frigates and nuclear submarines under AUKUS.
