The first frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2029, with future ships planned for construction in Western Australia. This will depend on the consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct, in line with the government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.
The government said it is working closely with the Japanese government and industry to support the programme. Defence is also coordinating with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to establish capability for operating and sustaining the ships in Australia.
The upgraded Mogami class frigates will have a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and be equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system. They will carry surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, be crewed by 92 personnel, and operate the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
The acquisition follows a 2024 independent review of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet and aligns with plans to more than double its size. Under the 2026 Integrated Investment Program, the government has committed up to $20 billion over the decade to general purpose frigates.
The contract signing was marked by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjirō, who signed the Mogami Memorandum. The agreement reaffirms both countries’ commitment to delivering the programme and strengthening defence industry cooperation.
Australian naval personnel have also trained with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the Mogami class frigate Kumano during its deployment to Australia for Exercise Kakadu. The activity was aimed at improving interoperability and strengthening defence ties between the two countries.
Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister, said: “Acquiring upgraded-Mogami class frigates demonstrates the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe.” He 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.”
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The government said tens of billions of dollars are expected to be invested in defence capabilities in Western Australia over the next two decades. The programme is projected to support around 10,000 high-skilled jobs as part of the broader shipbuilding effort.
Source: Government of Australia (press release).
