CANBERRA: Australia has announced a USD 6.5 billion deal to purchase 11 advanced Mogami-class frigates from Japan, a move analysts say could strengthen Canberra’s position as a Pacific maritime power and mark a major step in Tokyo’s emergence as a weapons exporter.
According to the Australian Defence Ministry, the first three stealth-equipped surface combatants will be built in Japan, with the remaining eight constructed in Australia. The upgraded versions for Australia will be larger than those in Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, with greater firepower and an extended unrefueled range of about 11,500 miles.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy hailed the deal—struck with a fellow member of the US-led Quad—as “another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal navy” that would reassure allies and deter adversaries. The move comes amid rising tensions with China, highlighted earlier this year when a Chinese naval task force circumnavigated Australia and held live-fire drills off its coast, disrupting commercial flights.
Japan’s Defence Minister General Nakatani called the agreement a “big step” for security cooperation, NHK reported. Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the frigates will carry 32 Mk 41 vertical launch cells, capable of firing 128 air defence missiles—four times the capacity of Australia’s current ANZAC-class frigates—as well as anti-ship missiles. Analysts note the cells could also accommodate Tomahawk cruise missiles and long-range anti-submarine rockets, greatly expanding operational reach.
The Mogami-class vessels are praised for their lean manning requirements, needing just 90 crew compared to the 170 required for the ANZAC-class—an advantage for countries facing military recruitment challenges. “It’s a much bigger ship, which is able to operate with a much smaller crew, and that’s a reflection of how modern this ship is,” said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
Analysts say the Mogamis compare favourably to regional competitors, with former US Navy captain Carl Schuster calling them “slightly superior” to China’s Type 054B frigates, particularly in mid- to long-range air defence. The design was selected over a German contender and is powered by British engines.
The Albanese government says the deal is part of a wider defence investment expected to create 10,000 domestic jobs. While the agreement is currently non-binding, contracts are expected to be signed next year, with the first ships operational by 2029.
