On August 5, the Australian government announced a $6.5 billion contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the construction of its next-generation “multi-purpose” frigates, with the first batch set for delivery in 2029.
While this timeline is tight for naval shipbuilding projects, MHI will develop the new series based on the existing Mogami-class frigate design—significantly reducing preliminary engineering time compared to an entirely new design.
Under the contract, the first three frigates will be built at a Japanese shipyard, with the remaining eight constructed by Western Australian shipbuilding group Austal at its Henderson facility. Notably, BAE Systems Australia, which operates in the same area, recently laid off around 150 staff due to reduced defense projects.
The total cost of the Mogami-class project remains unsettled, with contract negotiations ongoing. The decision disappointed German defense shipbuilder TKMS (formerly Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems), another bidder that proposed a low-cost plan based on its MEKO multi-purpose standard frigate but failed to secure the contract.
The Mogami-class is a modern multi-mission warship with air defense and surface warfare capabilities, designed to operate with fewer crew—a priority for modern navies facing cost and manpower constraints. Thanks to high automation, it requires approximately 90 personnel, comparable to the deployable crew size of the Littoral Combat Ship series. The Australian variant will feature an upgraded design with 32 full-size Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles.
This project will replace Australia’s current Anzac-class frigates, delivered between 1993 and 2003 and now decommissioning due to age. The Mogami-class offers longer range, stronger firepower, and roughly half the crew size of the Anzac-class.
In November 2024, Australia shortlisted the upgraded 4,800-ton Mogami-class as a candidate for its new general-purpose frigates. MHI has developed, designed, and built the Mogami-class since 2018 and, via a 2023 proposal, was selected as the main contractor for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) upgraded 4,800-ton variant. Australia’s decision reflects its recognition of the design’s proven performance, reliability, multi-mission capabilities (including anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare), reduced manpower needs, and scalability for future upgrades.
Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) pointed out that the combat management system of the Australian version of the Mogami-class frigate is compatible with the US Navy’s standard system, which is a major advantage for the Australian Navy.
MHI will continue to work with the Japanese government and companies involved in frigate construction to respond to the Australian government’s selection process, and present a proactive proposal for the final selection.
In addition, the broad-based participation of industries from both Japan and Australia in general-purpose frigates is expected to strengthen human resource development in science and technology, as well as the foundations of the defense industry, in both countries. Through its Naval Ship & Maritime Systems business, MHI will contribute to the maritime security in Japan and the Indo-Pacific region, and support the realization of safe and secure world.