Japan Offers Upgraded Mogami Frigate to Strengthen Australian Fleet Interoperability and Firepower.

As part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific and secure a major defense export contract, Japan has officially presented Australia with an upgraded version of its Mogami-class frigate. The briefing, held on 21 July 2025, in Canberra, was aimed at Australian political and business leaders, highlighting Tokyo's ambition to contribute to Australia’s extensive naval modernization program. This initiative is part of Japan’s broader effort to reinforce trilateral defense cooperation with the United States and Australia in response to increasing regional security challenges.
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The Mogami-class (30DX or 30FFM) is a multi-mission stealth frigate developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (Picture source: Japan MoD)

The session was led by Takeshi Ishikawa, Commissioner of the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency. Ishikawa emphasized the interoperability advantages of the proposed vessel, explaining that the upgraded Mogami-class frigate is designed to accommodate missile and weapon systems already employed by the US military. This compatibility would enable seamless operational integration between the Japanese, Australian, and American navies, a strategic consideration as the three nations seek to consolidate their joint security arrangements in the Indo-Pacific region. Interoperability remains a critical factor in Canberra’s deliberations, which prioritize the combined capabilities of allied forces.

The Mogami-class (30DX or 30FFM) is a multi-mission stealth frigate developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Measuring 133 meters in length with a full load displacement of 5,500 tons, it is powered by a CODAG system combining a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and two MAN diesel engines, enabling speeds up to 30 knots. Designed for a reduced crew of 90 through advanced automation, it features a futuristic command center equipped with a panoramic display and augmented reality. Its stealth design, derived from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin stealth fighter research, minimizes radar signature and enhances operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Its armament includes a 127mm Mk45 main gun, eight Type 17 anti-ship missiles, a SeaRAM anti-air system, and two triple torpedo tubes armed with Type 12 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. The vessel is also equipped with 16 Mark 41 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, planned for retrofit, supporting a range of missile types. The ship operates an SH-60L helicopter, unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, and mine-laying equipment. Electronic warfare capabilities are provided by the NOLQ-3E system and decoy launchers, ensuring protection against aerial and submarine threats.

Australia’s program envisions building 11 new frigates at an estimated cost of 10 billion Australian dollars. The government is expected to decide by the end of the year between the upgraded Japanese Mogami and a competing German model. To support its bid, Tokyo has promoted both the technological sophistication of the Mogami and its cost-efficiency. According to Ishikawa, the frigate requires around 90 crew members, half the usual complement for similar vessels, reducing costs by approximately 30 percent on the hull, a significant factor amid budget constraints and recruitment challenges faced by modern navies.

The Canberra presentation was part of a joint effort involving the private sector, notably with the participation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries executives, including Chairman Seiji Izumisawa. This reflects Japan’s integrated public-private strategy to enhance its defense exports. In 2024, the Japanese government established a joint committee to pursue the Australian contract, marking a shift from Japan’s traditionally cautious stance on arms exports. This committee represents a coordinated national effort to secure prestigious defense contracts and potentially open further commercial opportunities abroad.

Earlier this year, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed two Mogami-class frigates, Noshiro and Yahagi, to Australia, allowing Australian officials to observe the ships' capabilities and operational characteristics directly, further supporting Japan’s offer.

Japan’s attempt to export the upgraded Mogami-class frigate to Australia illustrates a broader strategy to establish itself as a credible actor in the international defense market while reinforcing trilateral military cooperation with Australia and the United States. The final decision, expected by year-end, will not only shape Australia’s naval posture for decades but also reflect the evolving dynamics of defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.