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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy have formally revealed the long-anticipated winner of the $10 billion SEA 3000 general purpose frigate contract.
Defence Connect can officially reveal that the Albanese government is accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami Class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general purpose frigates.
The decision comes following a competitive and comprehensive tender process, during which Defence assessed the Mogami Class as the most capable option to rapidly meet the strategic requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The decision comes months ahead of schedule, signalling the government’s commitment to transforming the ADF into a more integrated, responsive and combat-ready force.
The advanced Mogami Class frigate, in its upgraded configuration, offers a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and is equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system (VLS), advanced surface-to-air missiles, and potent anti-ship missile capabilities, making it a highly versatile asset for modern naval operations.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said, “The upgraded Mogami Class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet. The Albanese government is delivering these commitments at pace, as part of our sustained commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in the West – driving jobs, investment and infrastructure for decades to come.”
It is designed with a strong focus on versatility, automation and reduced crew requirements, the Mogami Class marks a significant shift in Japan’s approach to warship design, combining cutting-edge sensors, stealth features and a modular architecture to enable a broad range of missions from anti-submarine and surface warfare to mine countermeasures and disaster response.
Constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, the Mogami Class features an advanced radar cross-section-reducing design, a compact and highly automated combat management system and is fitted with a 127mm main gun, 32 VLS cells and a suite of anti-ship and anti-air weapons. The class also incorporates a major innovation in its multipurpose mission bay and deployable unmanned systems, allowing the frigate to operate in contested environments with minimal risk to crew.
The evolved Mogami Class, sometimes referred to as the FFM Batch II and which Australia will be procuring, represents an iterative improvement on the original design. It incorporates lessons learned from initial deployments, enhanced weapon loadouts (including increased VLS capacity), and refinements to its systems integration and endurance. The evolved variant continues Japan’s strategy of fielding compact yet highly capable surface combatants to address threats across the grey zone, high-end conflict and humanitarian assistance missions.
The Deputy Prime Minister said, “We thank both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as well as the governments of Japan and Germany for their focus and cooperation throughout this procurement process.”
The government will now proceed with the next stage of the procurement process, entering commercial negotiations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan, with formal agreements targeted for 2026.
Minister Conroy celebrated the announcement, saying, “The upgraded Mogami Class frigate is the best option for our Navy, boosting its capability to put to sea. It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cutting‑edge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail in an increasingly complex environment.”
As outlined in the government’s response to the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, the first three of the new general purpose frigates will be built offshore. Under the accelerated program, construction will begin in Japan, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery to Australia in 2029 and expected to reach operational service in 2030.
This timeline delivers a significant capability boost five years earlier than anticipated under the former Coalition government’s plan.
Subsequent vessels will be built in Australia, contingent on the successful consolidation of the Henderson shipbuilding precinct in Western Australia. This aligns with the government’s broader commitment to a sustainable, continuous naval shipbuilding program.
Minister Conroy added, “This decision comes months ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to deliver of capability at speed and at a lower overall cost to taxpayers. It makes good on our commitment to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to the plan inherited by the former Coalition government."
Over the next 20 years, tens of billions of dollars will be invested into Western Australia’s defence industrial base, supporting approximately 10,000 high-skilled, secure jobs. This investment forms a key part of the Albanese government’s AU$55 billion commitment over the next decade to expand and upgrade Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
The Federal Opposition welcomed the Government's announcement with acting shadow defence minister, Andrew Hastie saying, "In an increasingly dangerous world, the Mogami-class frigate will play in important role in defending Australia and maintaining peace in the Indo Pacific ... Labor needs to get moving. It has taken the Albanese Government more than two years to make this decision, and we cannot afford more delays."
Meanwhile, shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said, "While we welcome the Government’s decision to acquire the Mogami-class frigates, this decision should not detract from the urgent need to strengthen our sovereign industrial base for building missiles, drones and other asymmetric capabilities at speed and scale."
The new general purpose frigates will replace the ageing Anzac Class and will be equipped for undersea warfare, air defence and broader regional missions. They will serve alongside the Hunter Class frigates, upgraded Hobart Class destroyers and new missile systems as part of the government’s plan to more than double the size of the Navy’s surface combatant force.
This marks a turning point for the ADF, boosting sovereign capability, deepening strategic ties with Japan and fast-tracking critical defence capability in an increasingly contested regional environment.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
