Australia to Acquire Futuristic Japanese "Mogami" Frigate — A Historic Leap for Japan's Defense Industry

In a major strategic shift, Australia has selected Japan’s advanced "Mogami"-class frigate as the foundation for its next-generation naval fleet. This isn’t just a large procurement deal — it’s a historic milestone. If finalized, it will mark Japan’s first-ever export of a warship since World War II, representing a breakthrough for a defense industry long restricted to the domestic market.

What Is the "Mogami"?

The "Mogami"-class frigates (FFM — Multi-Purpose Frigate) represent the cutting edge of Japanese naval engineering. Designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), these vessels combine high automation, advanced stealth technology, long operational range, and modular architecture, allowing rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures to patrol and air defense.

Key features include:

- Crew of just 90 — remarkably small for a 130-meter warship, made possible by high automation, reducing manpower needs by nearly half compared to similar vessels.

- Ultra-low observability (stealth design) — the hull and superstructure are engineered to minimize radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.

- Modular combat system — allows quick reconfiguration of weapons and sensors for different mission profiles.

- Operational range exceeding 9,000 km — ideal for patrolling the vast expanses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Why Did Australia Choose the "Mogami"?

Australia plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates, and the new vessels must be modern, reliable, cost-effective to operate, and interoperable with allied forces, particularly the US and UK.

The "Mogami" fits these requirements perfectly. Additionally, Japan is a key strategic partner for Australia in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Operating similar ship classes simplifies joint exercises, logistics, and potential combined operations.

For Australia, this also offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers like the US, UK, or France, and diversify its defense partnerships.

What Does This Mean for Japan?

For Japan, this is revolutionary. After WWII, the country effectively banned arms exports under a strict interpretation of its pacifist constitution. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Abe government relaxed these restrictions, opening the door to defense exports — but no major deals followed.

Selling the "Mogami" to Australia would set a precedent. It would prove that Japanese defense technology is competitive on the global stage. A successful deal could open doors to other nations — such as Canada, New Zealand, or Southeast Asian countries — seeking advanced, reliable platforms.

What’s Next?

Final negotiations are underway. Australia is considering **partial domestic construction** of the frigates, involving Australian shipyards and industry. This would create jobs and boost local defense manufacturing.

If all goes according to plan, the first Australian "Mogami"-class frigate could enter service by the mid-2030s.

The Bottom Line

Acquiring the "Mogami" frigates is more than just a fleet upgrade. It’s a geopolitical signal: Australia and Japan are deepening their alliance to meet regional challenges. Meanwhile, Japan is finally stepping onto the global stage — as a serious player in the international defense market.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the 11th Mogami-class frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces

Mogami-class frigate

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), one of Japan's leading industrial and defense concerns, launched the eleventh Mogami-class frigate on July 3, 2025 for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ceremony took place at the company's shipyard in Nagasaki, one of the country's key shipbuilding centers, where many military and civilian vessels have been built since the founding of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1884.

The new frigate was named Tatsuta, named after the Tatsutagawa River, which is a tributary of the Yamatogawa River and flows near the city of Ikoma in Nara Prefecture. This name continues the tradition of naming ships after natural sites and historical sites, typical of the Japanese Navy. The Tatsuta frigate has become another representative of a series of new-generation corvettes designed to enhance anti-submarine and multi-functional combat effectiveness.

Mogami-class frigates belong to the new generation of ships of the FFM (Multi-purpose Frigate) project, created under the JMSDF modernization program. They are designed to replace outdated patrol ships and light frigates, providing higher speed, improved electronic weapons and the ability to operate in remote areas of the ocean. The ships are equipped with modern radars, missile defense systems, anti-ship missiles and the possibility of basing UAVs.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a rich tradition in the field of shipbuilding and defense production. The company was founded in 1884 as part of the Mitsubishi Concern, starting with the lease of the Nagasaki state shipyard and the subsequent large-scale development of the shipbuilding industry. Throughout its history, MHI has demonstrated technological leadership on several occasions, including the recent launch of the first fully autonomous Soleil vessel in 2022. Today, the company remains a key player in the defense and energy sectors of Japan and the world.

Japan begins construction of a fleet of patrol ships in the maritime zone to strengthen its defense capability

The new generation of OPV

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced the start of construction of a fleet of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This is a historic event, as this is the first time that the JMSDF has commissioned ships of this type. Construction will be carried out at a record pace: the launching of the first and second ships is scheduled for November this year.

Why does Japan need OPVs?

The patrol ships of the maritime zone are designed to carry out tasks related to the protection of maritime borders, combating smuggling, illegal fishing and other threats in the exclusive economic zone of the country. For Japan, which is surrounded by seas and has a long coastline, these ships will become an important tool for ensuring security and protecting national interests.

The introduction of OPV into the JMSDF reflects Japan's changing maritime defense strategy. These ships are less heavily armed than traditional frigates or destroyers, but their mobility, economy, and versatility make them ideal for patrolling and maintaining order in coastal and remote areas.

Construction plans

The construction of 12 ships will be carried out as part of a large-scale modernization program of the Japanese Navy. The first two ships will be launched in November this year, which demonstrates the high pace of the project. This is especially important against the background of growing challenges in the region, including the intensification of China and other States in disputed maritime zones.

OPV Features

The new patrol ships will be equipped with modern surveillance, communications and threat management equipment. Their size and displacement allow them to operate both in coastal waters and in the open sea. At the same time, they are significantly cheaper to operate compared to large warships, which makes them an attractive solution for long-term patrol missions.

Strategic importance

The introduction of OPV into the JMSDF strengthens Japan's ability to defend its maritime borders and respond to potential threats. It is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The new ships will help Japan coordinate more effectively with its allies, including the United States, and strengthen its influence in the region.

The future of Japan's maritime defense

The construction of the OPV fleet is just one of the steps in the framework of a large—scale modernization program of the Japanese armed forces. In the coming years, the country plans to increase defense spending and expand the capabilities of its naval forces. This will allow Japan to maintain stability in the region and face new challenges.

Sōryū-class submarine: A key asset of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces

 

JS Soryu (SS-501), a new Japanese diesel- electric attack submarine

In today's world, where regional tensions and maritime threats are becoming increasingly complex, the Sōryū-class submarine occupies a central place in the defense strategy of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This project represents a revolution in the field of underwater technology, combining advanced engineering solutions, high stealth and a powerful firing system. Since its introduction, the *Sōryū* class has become a symbol of Japan's readiness to face the challenges of the 21st century at sea.

The *Sōryū* class features an innovative approach to design and functionality. Submarines of this type are equipped with an air-independent power supply (AIP) system, which allows them to stay underwater much longer than traditional diesel-electric submarines. Thanks to AIP technology based on the use of glass-electrolyte batteries, these boats can remain undetected for a long time, increasing their effectiveness as a means of reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

Stealth is one of the main advantages of *Sōryū* boats. Their housings are made using special materials that reduce acoustic visibility. In addition, the hull design and the use of passive sonar systems make it extremely difficult for the enemy to detect these submarines. This is especially important in the context of the increasing activity of other naval Powers in the Pacific region.

The Sōryū-class submarines are equipped with modern torpedoes and cruise missiles, making them a formidable opponent for any enemy ships. Depending on the configuration, they can be equipped with vertical launchers for launching ballistic or cruise missiles, expanding the range of possible tasks that these submarines can perform. This versatility allows the JMSDF to use them not only to protect its own territorial waters, but also to participate in international operations with allies.

Later modifications of this class also provide for the possibility of using an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) control system, which opens up new horizons for reconnaissance operations and monitoring of the sea.

In the context of the current geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region, Sōryū-class submarines play a key role in ensuring Japan's maritime security. They provide the country with the ability to control the most important sea routes, protect its islands, and monitor the activities of potential adversaries. This is especially true in light of China's growing influence in the region and its increasing naval presence.

In addition, the presence of such advanced submarines strengthens Japan's position as a reliable partner of the United States and other countries in matters of regional security. The joint exercises with the US Navy demonstrate a high level of interaction and coordination between the two countries, which contributes to strengthening their defensive alliance.

Japan continues to improve its submarine fleet, developing a new generation of submarines based on the experience gained during the creation of the *Sōryū* class. Construction of a new generation of submarines, known as the "501-class" or "Sōryū-next generation" submarines, has recently begun. These vessels will be even more technologically advanced, with improved stealth and combat effectiveness characteristics.

It is also worth noting that some of the *Sōryū* class boats can be modified for use as platforms for launching medium-range ballistic missiles, which will significantly expand their capabilities as a strategic means.

The Sōryū-class submarine is one of the most significant achievements of the Japanese defense industry. She embodies advanced technology, high stealth, and powerful combat capabilities, making her an indispensable element of Japan's modern maritime security strategy. In the context of evolving regional threats, these submarines continue to play a crucial role in protecting the country's interests and maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The future shows that the development of this series of submarines will follow new challenges, making them even more effective and dangerous for any potential enemy.