Australia has signed an A$10 billion (US$7 billion) contract with Japan for upgraded Mogami-class frigates, the deal covering an initial three ships under Project Sea 3000.
The agreement was concluded between the Australian government, Japan and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), marking a major step forward in Canberra’s surface fleet recapitalisation plans.
In total, Australia intends to acquire eleven “general-purpose” frigates, with the remaining eight ships to be constructed domestically. The lead ship is scheduled for delivery in 2029.
The contract was signed aboard the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano by Australia’s Defence Minister Defence Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Australia’s variant of the Mogami class will feature a 32-cell vertical-launch system, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and each platform will be operated by a crew of around 92 personnel. Each vessel will also deploy an embarked Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
Canberra has earmarked an initial A$12 billion to develop the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, where the remaining eight frigates are expected to be built from the early 2030s.
Both governments highlighted the project as a cornerstone for strengthening defence industrial cooperation and sustaining Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise.
“We’re working very closely with the Western Australian government on that. We’re confident that it will be in place, such that the fourth of the frigates will be able to commence construction and will form the backbone of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia,” Marles said.
Under the Integrated Investment Program, Australia plans to allocate between A$52 billion and A$65 billion to enhance its surface fleet, with approximately A$20 billion committed specifically to the Mogami-class programme through to 2036.
The deal represents Japan’s largest defence export since the relaxation of its arms export policies. Koizumi noted that other regional partners, including New Zealand, are also evaluating the Mogami class as they look to modernise their naval capabilities.
“The revision of Japan’s defence equipment and technology transfer framework will enable us to promote transfers that meet the needs of like-minded countries, and strengthen our collective response capabilities,” Koizumi said.
by Chen Chuanren
