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3w ago

Australia Awards Mitsubishi $10 Billion Contract for Eleven Mogami-Class Frigates

Canberra is bridging its pending naval capability gap through early deliveries of automated frigates that strengthen security ties with Tokyo.

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Die Fregatte JS Mogami (FFM-1) der japanischen Seestreitkräfte (Archivbild)
YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN - 2025/04/08: FFM Mogami seen at the Yokosuka Naval Base. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Yokosuka Naval Base as part of a two-day trip to strengthen ties between NATO and Japan. During his visit he met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to discuss security cooperation particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict, the interconnected security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. The key Maritime Self-Defense Force base underscored NATO's growing focus on projecting power in the Asia-Pacific amid concerns over China's military expansion and regional threats. This marked Rutte's first trip to Japan since taking office highlighting a push for deeper defense collaboration. (Photo by Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Australia’s government has contracted Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build eleven Mogami-class frigates for roughly US $10 billion as an interim measure until its domestically built Hunter-class vessels arrive.
  • The ships will be constructed under a split production plan, with three units built in Japan and eight assembled in Australian shipyards, and first delivery is scheduled for 2029.
  • The agreement represents Japan’s largest defence export since easing its post-World War II weapons ban, reflecting strategic alignment over a bid from Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems that was about 20 percent cheaper.
  • Extensive automation aboard the Mogami-class vessels reduces crew requirements to about 90 personnel, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
  • The contract is part of Australia’s broader A$55 billion naval modernisation programme through 2034 and addresses an operational gap left by the retiring Anzac-class frigates.