The Australian government has formally selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ upgraded Mogami-class frigate as the platform for its SEA3000 General Purpose Frigate Program, a landmark A$10 billion (approximately US$6.5 billion) defense system. The decision accelerates the modernization of Australia’s navy, but also represents Japan’s first major warship export since the 2014 arms export reforms.
The game-changing deal will deliver 11 stealthy, highly capable frigates to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) – three to Japan and eight to Western Australia – positioning Australia to begin operating the first ship by 2029.
- Aft view of the Mogami-class frigate JS Agano, highlighting its single helicopter hangar. The Royal Australian Navy is expected to operate the Sikorsky MH-60R multi-mission helicopter from this platform. (Japan MoD)
Enhanced capabilities and strategic reach
The upgraded Mogami design offers significant advances over Australia’s retiring Anzac-class frigates and its German competitor, the MEKO A‑200. With a displacement of approximately 4,800 tonnes, each ship has a 32-cell vertical launch system – double the missile capacity of the MEKO and four times that of the Anzac-class ships. These SM‑2 or SM-6, potential Tomahawk cruise missile strike capability, and anti-ship ordnance – extending combat range to over 2,500 km.
Crewed by approximately 90 personnel, the Mogami-class relies on automation-intensive systems, making it more cost-effective and operationally sustainable due to the pressure of the tide. With an estimated service life of 40 years, each ship is designed to meet long-term regional deployment requirements and increased capacity for maritime presence.
- M2 heavy machine gun integrated into the remote weapon system on JS Mogami. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
Interoperability: Japan, U.S. and Australian Naval Integration
The choice of the Mogami-class reinforces a deep trilateral military alignment. The DefenseScope analysis paper “Japan’s Strategic Push for the Mogami: A New Era of Japan-Australia Naval Cooperation” argues that the platform enables closer integration with both the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy operations. Shared training exercises such as Exercise Talisman Saber and Maritime Domain Awareness Operations in the South China Sea and Coral Sea will be enhanced by operating identical or interoperable warships.
The platform systems commonality will enable the deployment of anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and escort. This The mission opens up avenues for logistics coordination and joint operations – creating a force multiplier between the three countries.
- JS Mogami participates in joint mine warfare and special mine training exercises in Matsu Bay with the US, Indian and Italian navies. (Japan MoD)
Countering regional military expansion
The Mogami deal has solidified its ambition to provide advanced platforms to like-minded navies after Japan lifted post-war export restrictions in 2014. The acquisition comes amid the expansion and assertiveness of the Chinese navy in the South and East China Seas, which are key sea lanes Australia’s maritime blockade project is jeopardizing. Strengthening capabilities.
By fielding stealth-capable, long-endurance frigates with powerful strike systems, Australia is enhancing its role as a middle-power maritime state – enhancing its ability to coordinate responses to regional contingencies and support collective security under the US-led Indo-Pacific architecture.
The agreement also provides a strong signal that Australian defense procurement is moving away from traditional Western suppliers and towards technological partners, diversifying its strategic dependencies.
- A Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile is launched from the forward Mk-41 VLS aboard the USS Farragut (DDG 99) during a training exercise. In March 2023, the US approved the sale of 220 Tomahawks to Australia. In December 2024, HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) successfully launched Australia’s first Tomahawk, making it the third country to do so after the US and UK. (US Navy)
Japan’s rise as a warship exporter
For Japan, the Mogami export represents a strategic success. As noted in Defensescope’s policy analysis Japan’s Strategic Push for the Mogami – A New Era in Australia – Japan Naval Cooperation, this represents a meaningful expansion of Japan’s defense industry footprint and its evolution from a strictly self-reliant posture to a reactive exporter shaping the regional naval power balance.
The Australian contract strengthens Japan’s ability to co-produce with allied partners, transfer naval capability technology, and build long-term defense industrial capacity. The agreement lays the foundation for Japan to export more – particularly to regional navies such as Indonesia or Southeast Asian partners – while embedding standards consistent with Western-oriented logistics and operations.
- The launch ceremony of JS Kumano (FFM-2) at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki. It is the second ship in the Mogami-class frigate series operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). (Japan Ministry of Defense)
Australia’s Regional Role and Naval Influence
With the SEA3000 frigate program now anchored by a modern, missile-capable and interoperable platform, Australia is poised to transform its maritime posture. Between the upgraded Mogami, the existing Hunter-class frigate plans and the Hobart-class destroyers, the RAN will almost double its surface combatant fleet in a decade.
The accelerated timeline – with the first Mogami entering service by 2029, ahead of the problematic Hunter-class schedule – ensures that Australia maintains an operational naval presence as regional threats evolve. The deal solidifies Australia as a growing regional naval power, capable of a sustained presence in its northern approaches and key sea lanes, while enabling coordinated action with US and Japanese forces.
- BAE Systems Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow under construction. Part of the Global Combat Ship Program, the City-class Type 26 frigates are being built for the UK Royal Navy and also for Australia and Canada. Designed primarily for advanced anti-submarine warfare, they provide air defense and general operations support. This is the first shared naval platform between the three nations since the Tribe-class destroyers of the pre-World War II period. (Ian Dick/Wikimedia)
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FAQs
Australia chose the upgraded Mogami-class frigate because it offers advanced missile capabilities, a stealth design, and modern systems on a fast delivery timeline. It also allows for closer cooperation with Japan and the U.S., strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The deal shifts the balance of power by giving Australia a strong maritime capability to counter China’s growing naval influence. With Tomahawk cruise missiles and long-range strike capabilities, these ships make Australia a key player in regional security.
This is Japan’s first major warship export since sanctions were lifted in 2014. It reflects Japan’s growing role in defense exports and is a sign of the U.S. and positions it as a new supplier for countries seeking advanced naval technology outside of Europe.
The first Mogami frigate is expected to join the Royal Australian Navy by 2029. This accelerated timeline ensures that Australia can maintain its naval presence while waiting for the construction of other ships, such as the Hunter-class frigates.
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