Australia Buys 11 Japanese Mogami-Class Warships in Major Defense Deal

The Royal Australian Navy has made a strategic decision that marks a significant shift in its maritime defense posture: it has selected Japan’s Mogami-class warships as the foundation for its SEA 3000 project. This move not only strengthens Australia’s naval capabilities but also deepens defense cooperation between Canberra and Tokyo, signaling a new era of Indo-Pacific security collaboration.

Photo: DoD Australia

Under the SEA 3000 initiative, Australia will acquire 11 modified Mogami-class multi-role frigates to replace its aging Anzac-class fleet. The Anzac-class frigates, which have served the Royal Australian Navy since the 1990s, are nearing the end of their operational life. With evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region and the increasing complexity of maritime warfare, Australia has recognized the need for a more advanced, versatile, and survivable platform. The Mogami-class frigates, originally designed and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Marine United, offer a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, stealth, and multi-domain combat capabilities.

The decision was first reported by Japan’s Nikkei news agency, highlighting the growing prominence of Japanese defense exports and the strategic alignment between the two nations. Japan, traditionally cautious about arms exports due to its pacifist constitution, has recently taken steps to expand its defense industry’s global footprint. The Mogami-class frigate, known for its compact design and high automation, is one of the most advanced surface combatants in the region. Its selection by Australia is a testament to Japan’s rising stature as a defense partner and technology provider.

Construction of the first three vessels will begin in Japan, with delivery scheduled for 2029 and formal commissioning expected in 2030. This timeline reflects both the urgency of Australia’s naval modernization and the complexity of adapting the Mogami-class design to meet specific operational requirements. While the baseline Mogami-class is already a formidable platform, the Australian variant will feature several modifications to enhance its performance in air defense and anti-submarine warfare—two mission areas critical to Australia’s strategic interests.

The modified Mogami-class frigates will be equipped with 32 vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of firing a range of surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles. This includes advanced munitions such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and potentially the Standard Missile family, which provide layered air defense against aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles. The VLS configuration allows for rapid, flexible response to multiple threats, making the frigate a key asset in fleet protection and area denial operations.

In addition to missile systems, the frigates will carry lightweight torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, enabling them to engage submarines and surface combatants with precision. The integration of sonar systems—both hull-mounted and towed array—will enhance their ability to detect and track underwater threats, a capability increasingly vital in contested maritime environments. With the proliferation of quiet diesel-electric submarines in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s emphasis on anti-submarine warfare reflects a clear understanding of regional dynamics.

One of the standout features of the Mogami-class is its operational range. The Australian variant will boast a range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles, allowing it to conduct extended patrols and deployments across vast oceanic distances. This endurance is particularly important for Australia, whose strategic interests span from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific. The ability to project power and maintain presence in remote areas is a cornerstone of Australia’s defense strategy, and the new frigates will play a central role in achieving that goal.

Beyond their combat capabilities, the Mogami-class frigates are designed with a high degree of automation, reducing crew requirements and improving operational efficiency. This aligns with Australia’s broader efforts to modernize its defense force while managing personnel constraints. The ships also feature stealthy hull designs and reduced radar cross-sections, making them harder to detect and target—an increasingly important attribute in an era of precision-guided munitions and networked warfare.

The selection of a Japanese platform also carries significant geopolitical implications. It reflects a growing convergence between Australia and Japan in defense policy, driven by shared concerns over regional stability, maritime security, and the rise of assertive powers. Both nations are key members of the Quad security dialogue, alongside the United States and India, and have been deepening bilateral ties through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense technology cooperation.

By choosing the Mogami-class, Australia is not only acquiring a state-of-the-art warship but also reinforcing its commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The frigates will serve as a visible symbol of deterrence and resolve, capable of operating alongside allied navies in complex missions ranging from humanitarian assistance to high-end combat. Their deployment will enhance Australia’s ability to safeguard sea lines of communication, protect its exclusive economic zone, and contribute to regional stability.

The SEA 3000 project also represents a significant investment in Australia’s defense industrial base. While initial construction will take place in Japan, subsequent vessels may involve Australian shipyards, fostering technology transfer and local employment. This hybrid approach balances speed of delivery with long-term sustainability, ensuring that Australia can maintain and upgrade its fleet over time.

The Royal Australian Navy’s decision to adopt the Mogami-class frigate marks a pivotal moment in its modernization journey. These ships will bring advanced capabilities, strategic reach, and interoperability with key allies. As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly contested, Australia is positioning itself to meet future challenges with a fleet that is agile, lethal, and resilient. The partnership with Japan underscores a broader trend of regional cooperation, where like-minded democracies are working together to uphold peace and stability in one of the world’s most dynamic maritime theaters.