Overview

• Australia’s national security committee chose the Japanese Mogami-class design over Germany’s MEKO A-200, citing cost, capability and delivery schedule.
• The A$10 billion contract is the largest defence-industry agreement ever between Australia and Japan and marks Japan’s first major warship export since before World War II.
• Contract negotiations are slated to conclude in 2026, after which the first three frigates will be built in Japan for delivery by 2029 and entry into service by 2030.
• The remaining eight vessels will be constructed at Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia under a broader A$55 billion investment to expand the Navy’s surface combatant fleet over the next decade.
• The Mogami-class frigates feature a 32-cell vertical launch system, a 10,000-nautical-mile range and reduced crew requirements enabled by advanced automation.