Overview
- Australia signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build three upgraded Mogami-class frigates in Japan, with the first due in 2029 and crews already training on the JMSDF’s JS Kumano.
- The wider plan covers 11 ships and shifts later construction to Western Australia if industry conditions are met.
- Officials did not disclose a price, with reports near A$10 billion and a 2026 plan setting up to A$20 billion for frigate capability.
- Each frigate adds anti-submarine and strike power with a 32-cell vertical launch system, a 10,000-nautical-mile range, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopter operations.
- Leaders said the move strengthens regional stability as Japan loosens export rules and both countries respond to unsafe behavior by Chinese maritime forces.