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Australia has announced plans to fast-track the expansion of its surface combatant fleet, selecting Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) upgraded Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) next-generation general-purpose frigates.
Following an extensive and competitive tender process, the Mogami-class frigate was determined to be the best candidate to meet the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) strategic and operational requirements swiftly.
In its statement, the government acknowledged the “high-quality and competitive” proposal submitted by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and expressed appreciation for the company’s professionalism throughout the procurement process.
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), and is equipped with both surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles.
“This choice significantly enhances our naval capability,” said Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. “It will boost our general-purpose frigates’ firepower from 32 to 128 air defense missiles, giving our sailors the advanced weapons and combat systems they need to operate in an increasingly complex environment.”
Australia will now move to the next phase of the procurement process with MHI, aiming to enter early binding commercial contracts with both the company and the Japanese government by 2026.
Under the current plan, the first three frigates will be built in Japan, with the first scheduled for delivery in 2029 and operational service by 2030. Subsequent vessels will be constructed in Australia following the successful consolidation of the Henderson shipbuilding precinct in Western Australia, supporting the Albanese Government’s commitment to a continuous naval shipbuilding program.
The new frigates will replace the aging Anzac-class fleet and will be configured for undersea warfare and air defense missions.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries highlighted that the upgraded Mogami-class frigate—already serving with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)—was selected for its proven reliability, advanced multi-role capabilities, reduced crew requirements, and scalability for future upgrades.
“We believe the Australian government’s decision reflects confidence in our frigate’s performance, technology, and versatility across anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface operations,” MHI said in a statement.
