Australia’s Frigate Choice: Technical face-off between MEKO A-200 and Mogami-class.

Australia’s $10 billion naval program, aimed at replacing the Royal Australian Navy's aging Anzac-class frigates, has come down to two contenders: Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) with its MEKO A-200 design and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) offering the upgraded Mogami-class frigate. Both options present distinct advantages and challenges, prompting Australia to balance technical specifications, operational readiness, and strategic partnerships.
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A model of the Japanese Mogami-class frigate. (Picture source: Japanese MoD)

The German MEKO A-200 is a mature and proven design, already in service with multiple navies, including Egypt. With a displacement of around 3,800 tonnes, it features a 16-cell Mk41 vertical launch system for advanced missile deployment and a versatile combat management system. The ship can accommodate a crew of approximately 120 personnel. TKMS is no stranger to Australian shipbuilding, having successfully delivered the Anzac-class frigates—widely considered one of the nation’s most reliable naval procurement projects. This familiarity reduces integration risks and ensures smoother collaboration between the German defense giant and Australia’s local industry.

On the other hand, the upgraded Mogami-class frigate offered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries represents a more modern yet unproven alternative. Based on Japan’s current Mogami-class frigates, the upgraded version is larger, with a displacement of approximately 4,800 tonnes. It includes a 32-cell Mk41 vertical launch system, advanced sensor and radar suites, and anti-air warfare capabilities. Designed for high levels of automation, the ship requires a smaller crew of around 90 personnel, addressing concerns about manning shortages. However, the proposed upgraded Mogami-class variant is not yet operational, and Japan’s timeline aims for its first delivery by 2028. This introduces potential developmental risks, which may impact Australia’s target of receiving its first vessel by 2029.

From a strategic perspective, the Japanese bid holds broader implications. By selecting the upgraded Mogami-class, Australia could strengthen its defense relationship with Japan, reinforcing the growing security cooperation between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific. Shared regional concerns, particularly in maritime security, make this partnership geopolitically attractive. However, Japan’s limited experience in exporting and building warships overseas introduces uncertainties, particularly regarding construction timelines and integration into Australia’s naval infrastructure.

In contrast, the MEKO A-200 offers a lower-risk pathway due to its established service record and TKMS’s extensive experience in international shipbuilding collaborations. While the German frigate might lack some of the advanced technological features proposed by the upgraded Mogami-class, its reliability and proven performance mitigate the risks typically associated with first-of-class vessels.

Operational compatibility is another critical consideration. The MEKO A-200 aligns well with Australia’s existing naval platforms, given TKMS’s past contributions to the country’s fleet. The upgraded Mogami-class introduces new technologies that could enhance Australia’s maritime capabilities but may require additional efforts to integrate with existing systems and doctrines.