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Mitsubishi Proposes Mogami Frigate to Australia to Strengthen Its Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Australia, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, announced on February 26, 2025, the expansion of its activities in Canberra as part of its bid for Australia’s next-generation general-purpose frigate program. This initiative represents a new step in Japan’s efforts to enhance defense cooperation with Australia and position the Mogami frigate as a competitive option against Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
The Mogami-class frigate features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, as well as towed and variable-depth sonars optimized for anti-submarine warfare and mine detection (Picture source: Japan MoD)
This expansion aims to strengthen ties with government agencies and Australian companies involved in the project. MHI-AUS intends to respond swiftly to government requests by providing flexible commercial support, and gathering, and transmitting information related to its products and services. The Japanese government has fully endorsed this initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership between Tokyo and Canberra in the context of increasing naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Mogami-class frigate is a multimission vessel designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), combining advanced technology, stealth, and automation to optimize operational costs and reduce crew requirements. Measuring 133 meters in length with a displacement ranging from 3,900 to 5,500 tons when fully loaded, the ship features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, as well as towed and variable-depth sonars optimized for anti-submarine warfare and mine detection. The flight deck and hangar accommodate an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter or unmanned aerial systems, while an aft ramp enables the deployment of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, enhancing mine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.
The frigate's armament includes a Mk 45 Mod 4 127mm gun, an 11-cell SeaRAM system for close-range air defense, remotely operated .50-caliber machine guns, and lightweight torpedo launchers. It can carry eight Type 17 anti-ship missiles with a range of 250 miles and is designed to accommodate a 16-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles and vertically launched anti-submarine rockets. Powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system, it reaches speeds exceeding 30 knots and operates with a reduced crew of approximately 90 personnel due to a high degree of automation.
Australia’s general-purpose frigate program, which plans to acquire between seven and eleven ships optimized for anti-submarine warfare, is part of a broader modernization strategy to ease the operational burden on high-end surface combatants such as Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates. These new vessels will gradually replace the Anzac-class frigates and provide security for maritime trade routes and northern approaches. With a budget of 10 billion Australian dollars, the competition between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is intensifying, with each company offering the Mogami and MEKO A-200 designs, respectively.
Learning from its unsuccessful bid in 2016 for Australia’s submarine program, Japan has adopted a more structured approach to avoid previous challenges. At that time, the lack of a local industrial presence and limited engagement with Australian decision-makers contributed to the rejection of the Japanese proposal. Today, by establishing a temporary office in Canberra and fostering cooperation with Australian industry partners, MHI aims to strengthen its position in the ongoing competition.
To support this effort, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed a Mogami-class frigate to Australia for joint exercises, allowing the Royal Australian Navy to assess its capabilities and suitability for operational requirements. Additionally, Tokyo has established a public-private committee to coordinate promotional efforts for the program, reflecting Japan’s determination to secure this contract.
This project represents a significant opportunity for Japan, potentially marking one of its largest arms exports and increasing its influence in the defense sector across the Indo-Pacific. For Australia, the selection of its next frigate involves not only technological considerations but also industrial and strategic factors, including supply chain integration and procurement compatibility.
The first three ships will be built in the shipyard of the selected designer before production is gradually transferred to Henderson in Western Australia. This transition is expected to develop local industrial expertise and ensure greater autonomy for the Royal Australian Navy. With a decision anticipated by the end of the year, Australia’s choice will shape the future of its surface fleet while also impacting long-term defense cooperation between Canberra and Tokyo.