On the dotted line: Contract signed for first next-gen frigates

Under the agreement, the Commonwealth will work closely with the Japanese Government and industry to deliver the initial ships, with a longer-term plan to shift construction to Western Australia. Future vessels are slated to be built at the Henderson Defence Precinct, subject to its consolidation, in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.

Defence is also collaborating with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to establish the sustainment and operational framework for the new frigates in Australia, with local industry expected to play a key role.

The upgraded Mogami-class design is intended to provide a flexible and capable platform for a range of missions. The ships will have a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and feature a 32-cell vertical launch system. They will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, operate with a core crew of 92 personnel, and support the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

The acquisition forms part of a broader effort to reshape Australia’s naval capability following the 2024 independent review of the surface fleet. In the 2026 Integrated Investment Program, the Government committed up to $20 billion over the next decade to develop the general purpose frigate fleet, a key element of its plan to more than double the size of the Navy’s surface combatant force.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles welcomed the deal, stating, "Acquiring upgraded-Mogami class frigates demonstrates the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe."

The contract signing was formalised alongside Japan’s Defence Minister, Koizumi Shinjirō, with both parties endorsing the “Mogami Memorandum” — an agreement reinforcing defence industry cooperation and the joint commitment to delivering the program.

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The Deputy Prime Minister added, "Our surface fleet is more important than at any time in decades. These general purpose frigates will help secure our maritime trade routes and northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet."

The announcement builds on growing defence ties between Canberra and Tokyo. Earlier cooperation saw Royal Australian Navy personnel train with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano during its deployment to Australia for Exercise Kakadu, underscoring increasing interoperability between the two nations.

Western Australia is expected to be a major beneficiary of the program, with tens of billions of dollars in defence investment projected over the next two decades. The expansion of shipbuilding at Henderson is anticipated to support around 10,000 high-skilled jobs, forming a cornerstone of the Government’s broader “Future Made in Australia” agenda.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the project represented a rapid uplift in naval capability, noting, "This is the fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime. We are working closely with Japanese and Australian industry partners as we acquire one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigate in the world.

"We are delivering these commitments at pace, supporting and creating jobs for Australians, and deepening Australia’s industrial base. The first three frigates will be built offshore in Japan. We will then transition to an onshore build in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and a future made in Australia," he added.

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.