The Australian Government has selected the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future general purpose frigates.
In a news release, the Australian Defence Force said the decision followed a competitive tender process, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ design assessed as the best option to rapidly meet strategic and capability requirements.
“The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
Fitted with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, the Mogami-class design features a 32 Cell Vertical Launch System and a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles.
Defence said the upgraded variant will enhance the Navy’s readiness to operate in a complex and dynamic strategic environment.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the decision will significantly increase the Navy’s firepower. “It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cutting-edge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail,” he said.
The decision follows the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, which recommended the first three frigates be built offshore to fast-track delivery.
The Australian Defence Force confirmed that the first three vessels will be constructed in Japan, with the first due to arrive in 2029 and be operational by 2030. This timeline is five years ahead of the previous plan under the former government.
The remaining frigates are expected to be built in Australia, pending the consolidation of the Henderson shipbuilding precinct in Western Australia. The Government said the plan aligns with its long-term strategy for continuous naval shipbuilding and will support around 10,000 skilled jobs over the next two decades.
“We are taking another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal Navy, with stealth frigates that will reassure our allies and deter our adversaries,” Conroy said.
The new general purpose frigates will replace the ageing Anzac-class fleet and will operate alongside the Hunter-class frigates, upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, and advanced missile capabilities.
Marles acknowledged the contribution of all parties involved in the tender process. “We thank both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as well as the governments of Japan and Germany for their focus and cooperation throughout this procurement process,” he said.
