Japanese sonar specialist wins first overseas defence export for Australia's future frigates

The contract represents the first overseas defence equipment export in OKI's history and follows Australia's decision to select the improved Mogami-class (06FFM) design as the basis for its future fleet of 11 general-purpose frigates as part of the SEA 3000 program.

The passive sonar system forms one of the frigate's most important anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Unlike active sonar, which emits acoustic pulses, passive systems detect and classify underwater contacts by listening for the sounds generated by submarines and surface vessels, allowing warships to search for threats while remaining electronically silent.

For Australia, the selection of OKI's system provides another indication that the Commonwealth intends to preserve much of the proven Japanese mission system integrated into the baseline design.

The company has supplied underwater acoustic equipment for Japan's Mogami-class frigates for several years, with that operational experience helping underpin its selection for the Australian program.

The announcement also highlights the increasingly strategic nature of defence cooperation between Canberra and Tokyo. While Australia has long sourced major defence platforms from the United States and Europe, the general-purpose frigate program represents one of the most significant examples of Japanese defence technology entering Australian service.

That relationship extends beyond the acquisition of ships. Australian industry is expected to play a substantial role in constructing, integrating and sustaining the fleet domestically, while Japanese companies such as OKI will provide specialised technologies that would be difficult and costly to replicate locally.

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With Indo-Pacific naval competition intensifying, anti-submarine warfare has become one of the Royal Australian Navy's highest capability priorities.

The future frigates are expected to complement the Hunter-class frigates by providing a larger, more affordable fleet capable of maritime security, escort duties and high-end anti-submarine operations, while Australia's future Virginia-class and SSN-AUKUS submarines strengthen the nation's undersea strike capability.

For OKI, the contract aligns with its broader strategy to expand its defence and maritime businesses while increasing production capacity to meet growing demand from allied nations.

The company has more than 90 years of experience developing underwater acoustic technologies and currently supports sonar systems across the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force throughout their operational life.

Beyond the immediate commercial value of the agreement, the contract signals the continuing maturation of Australia's strategic partnership with Japan.

As both nations respond to a more contested Indo-Pacific security environment, cooperation is increasingly shifting from joint exercises and diplomatic engagement towards integrated defence industrial collaboration, advanced technology sharing and long-term capability development.

For Australia's future frigate program, the selection of proven Japanese sonar technology reduces technical risk while ensuring the new vessels enter service with a mature and operationally validated anti-submarine warfare capability.

It also reinforces the growing role of Japanese industry as a trusted partner in delivering some of the Australian Defence Force's most important maritime capabilities over the coming decades.

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.