Australia will modernize its navy by acquiring 11 stealthy Mogami-class frigates from Japan, marking a $6 billion agreement over ten years. The ships, designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, beat out a rival bid from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp.
The frigates will replace the Anzac-class vessels and form part of Australia’s plan to expand its major surface warship fleet to 26 by 2034. The vessels, equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, reflect a shift toward more powerful naval assets to counter regional threats, especially from China.
This deal strengthens Australia-Japan defense cooperation under the Quad alliance. Japan’s loosening of arms export laws has enabled such deals, despite its traditionally pacifist stance. Officials hailed the partnership as a significant security milestone.
Initial construction will occur abroad, with later units built in Australia. Alongside this, Australia is pursuing US-made Virginia-class nuclear submarines under AUKUS, a program expected to cost over $200 billion. The nation aims to boost defense spending to 2.4% of GDP, facing both support and criticism over project viability and priorities.
