Japan and Australia have finalized agreements to collaboratively construct three out of the 11 ships designated for the Australian Navy. These vessels are based on Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the producer of the Mogami-class vessels, also involved in the contract.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, disclosed this partnership in Melbourne. The ships will be manufactured in Japan and are scheduled for delivery to Australia by December 2029. The Australian government plans to invest up to AU$20 billion over a decade for the new fleet’s development, featuring enhanced capabilities such as 32-cell Vertical Launch systems and a 10,000 nautical mile range.
The vessels will be armed with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, operated by a crew of 92 Royal Australian Navy personnel, and capable of supporting an MH-60R Seahawk maritime combat helicopter. Notably, these upgraded frigates offer a significant advantage as they can function with half the crew typically required for a conventional frigate, addressing Australia’s military personnel shortage.
Australia’s Defence Ministry emphasized the crucial partnership with Japan, highlighting their deep mutual trust, shared values, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region. Marles acknowledged the enduring alliance between the two nations, noting the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, underscoring the strengthening bond between the two countries.
