Australia is moving forward with the acquisition of 11 Mogami-class frigates, which will be built by the Japanese group Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), in a deal worth $10 billion.
The announcement was made by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles during a press conference in Canberra. This is the largest defense industry deal between Japan and Australia to date, Mr. Marles said, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won the tender against the German group ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, after companies from Spain and South Korea were eliminated earlier.
Australia has begun a major reorganisation of its armed forces since 2023, with the aim of increasing its ability to strike targets at greater range and counter China’s growing power, especially in the maritime domain.
The Mogami frigates, which are expected to join the Australian Navy by 2030, will replace the old Anzac-class ships that have been in service since the 1990s. The new ships feature stealth technology, which makes them difficult to detect by radar, and are equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system capable of firing long-range cruise missiles, such as Tomahawks.
The Australian Minister of Defense described the Mogami frigate as the best ship for the country’s needs, emphasizing that their acquisition will significantly enhance the operational capabilities and power of the navy.
This move reflects Australia’s strategic adaptation to an environment of growing geopolitical challenges in the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, but it doesn’t come without its risks.
The new frigate deal carries several risks
First, the upgraded Mogami-class ship we’ve ordered doesn’t yet exist — it’s a new design, and Japan has even offered to deliver one to Australia before its own navy. While this is a gamble, Japan’s strong shipbuilding record provides some reassurance.
A bigger concern is that Japan has never exported a complex warship before. Coupled with Australia’s reputation as a demanding customer — as seen in the troubled Hunter-class program — this adds further complexity.
Finally, the Australia-Japan relationship goes beyond defence contracts. With shared security interests, any issues with the deal could strain this strategic partnership. Caution is essential.
