Australia and Japan have taken a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership with the signing of contracts worth approximately $7 billion for the first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates. The ceremony, held aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) frigate JS Kumano in Melbourne on April 18, 2026, marks a historic milestone in bilateral defence cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Japanese Minister of Defence Koizumi Shinjirō oversaw the signing, attended by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) executives and Australian defence officials. This deal is part of a larger program to acquire 11 such vessels, aimed at modernizing the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) surface combatant fleet.
The agreement comes at a pivotal time for regional security in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations share concerns over maritime stability and freedom of navigation. The frigates will replace the ageing Anzac-class vessels, which have served since the late 1990s, enhancing Australia's ability to protect vital sea lanes and northern approaches. With the first ship expected to enter service by 2030, this rapid acquisition— the fastest peacetime procurement in RAN history— underscores the urgency of bolstering naval capabilities.
Background: The RAN's Urgent Need for New Frigates
The Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet has faced growing pressures from evolving threats, prompting a comprehensive review. The 2024 Surface Fleet Independent Analysis highlighted the need to more than double the number of surface combatants, from eight to 18 or more, to meet strategic demands. The Anzac-class frigates, while reliable, are reaching the end of their service life and lack the multi-domain capabilities required for modern warfare, including advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defence, and strike missions.
Project Sea 3000 Phase 2, the General Purpose Frigate (GPF) program, was launched to address this gap. These Tier 2 vessels are designed to be versatile, cost-effective platforms that complement the larger Hunter-class frigates (Tier 1) and smaller offshore patrol vessels. The GPFs will focus on undersea warfare, local air defence, land and maritime strike, and force protection, operating independently or in task groups.
The Selection Process: A Competitive Global Bid
The competitive evaluation process began in May 2024 with an approach to market, shortlisting several international designs. Key contenders included Germany's MEKO A-200 and France's FDI-class frigate. Japan's upgraded Mogami-class emerged as the preferred platform in August 2025 due to its balance of capability, cost, speed of delivery, and low crewing requirements.
Experts note the Mogami's advantages: higher automation reducing crew from 120 (MEKO) to 90-92, stealth features derived from Japan's ATD-X fighter program, and proven multi-mission design. The decision prioritized rapid delivery—the first three ships built offshore in Japan—to plug capability gaps sooner, while transitioning production to Australia for sovereignty.
Understanding the Mogami-Class Frigate
The Mogami-class, also known as the 30FFM or New Multi-Mission Frigate, is a stealthy, compact warship developed for the JMSDF. Standard JMSDF versions displace 3,900 tons (5,500 full load), measure 132.5m long with a 16.3m beam, and achieve over 30 knots using CODAG propulsion (Combined Diesel and Gas: 1 MT-30 turbine + 2 diesel engines).
Armament includes a 5-inch Mk 45 gun, SeaRAM for point defence, Type 12 torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles. JMSDF ships are retrofitting 16 Mk 41 VLS cells for ASROC and ESSM. The class supports SH-60 helicopters and unmanned systems, with advanced sensors like AESA radar and towed sonar.
Upgrades Tailored for Australian Requirements
Australia's version features key enhancements: expanded to ~6,200 tons full load, 142m length, 17m beam for better seakeeping. A standout is the 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (double JMSDF's), enabling ESSM air defence and potential Tomahawk integration. Weapons include Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) replacing Type 17 ASMs, Mk 54 torpedoes, and MH-60R Seahawk compatibility.
Crew reduced to 92 through automation, range extended to 10,000 nautical miles. Australian systems like CEA radar and Saab combat management ensure interoperability with RAN allies. For more on the design, the RAN's official page details these capabilities.
- 32 VLS cells for SAM/ASROC
- NSM anti-ship missiles
- Mk 45 5-inch gun
- SeaRAM CIWS
- Advanced towed sonar and AESA radar
- Helicopter hangar for MH-60R
Timeline: From Contract to Deployment
Construction starts immediately at MHI's Nagasaki yard. First frigate delivery December 2029, operational 2030. Subsequent ships follow annually, with Australian build at Henderson commencing post-2029. Full fleet operational by mid-2030s.
- 2026: Contracts signed, design finalization
- 2027-2029: Build first three in Japan
- 2029: First delivery
- 2030+: Australian production, sustainment
The accelerated timeline minimizes capability gaps, as per Defence Minister Pat Conroy.
Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific
This deal elevates Australia-Japan ties to a quasi-alliance level, aligning with trilateral US cooperation under AUKUS Pillar 2. Both nations view China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and East China Sea as a shared threat. The frigates enhance deterrence, securing sea lines vital for 90% of Australia's trade.
Interoperability—trained aboard JS Kumano during Exercise Kakadu—enables joint operations. Analysts see it as Japan's defence export normalization post-2014 policy shift, first major warship sale. For details on regional context, see the ABC analysis.
Economic Boost and Job Creation
The $20 billion program (including infrastructure) injects tens of billions into Western Australia. Henderson Defence Precinct will support 10,000 high-skilled jobs over two decades. Local firms like Austal partner on sustainment, fostering tech transfer.
The 'Mogami Memorandum' reduces export barriers, enabling Japanese firms to embed in Australian supply chains. Prime Minister Albanese hailed it as 'future made in Australia'.
Technology Transfer and Industry Cooperation
Beyond building, the deal includes sustainment training and local production. RAN personnel train with JMSDF, sharing tactics. MHI collaborates on upgrades, building Australian expertise in advanced shipbuilding.
This seamless defence industrial base, per Marles, positions both as reliable partners.
Expert Perspectives and Reactions
Defence analysts praise the choice for speed and lethality. ASPI's Michael Shoebridge: 'Mogami's automation and VLS make it ideal.' Critics worry over reliance on foreign build initially, but supporters note offsets via local jobs.
On X (formerly Twitter), trending posts celebrate strategic alignment, with officials like @Australian sharing ceremony highlights.
Photo by David Syphers on Unsplash
Challenges and Future Outlook
Risks include supply chain issues and integration of Australian weapons. Long-term sustainment at Henderson requires investment. Future: Potential exports, joint R&D under trilateral frameworks.
Overall, this deal heralds a new era of naval power projection, securing Australia's maritime future.
