Overview

• Australian officials said Japan’s proposal best meets the defence force’s capability requirements and strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific.
• The co-development venture marks Japan’s second full export of defence equipment since 2014, following a 2020 radar sale to the Philippines.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’s Mogami design leverages automation to reduce crew requirements to around 90 personnel and supports integration with US weapons systems.
• Under Japanese export rules the frigates will be co-developed, with the first three ships built in Japan and the remaining eight constructed in Australia.
• Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with initial deliveries expected in 2029 and full operational service planned by 2030.