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A new Royal Australian Navy-inspired model of the Mogami Class general purpose frigate has been spotted during a meeting attended by Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston.
The Australian government has previously announced the upgraded Japanese Mogami Class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general purpose frigates, during an announcement in August this year.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami Class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force. The upgraded Mogami Class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32 cell vertical launch system, and is fitted with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
“This year commemorates 71 years of the Japan Self-Defense Force. An honour to welcome friends and guests, including (Australian Defence Force CDF) Admiral Johnston and acknowledge the great efforts in advancing Japanese–Australian strong bonds and dynamic defence partnership,” Japanese ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki said.
“Mogami, Australia’s future general purpose frigate. Built in Australia with Japan’s technology, it’s a symbol of a partnership built in trust.”
Defence is now proceeding with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026.
The government’s response to the Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program is envisioned to see the first three frigates built in Japan, with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.
“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,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“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.”
