Australia finalized contracts for its first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates on April 18, turning its 2025 design selection into an order for ships to be built in Japan.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the initial vessels. Defence Minister Richard Marles identified December 2029 as the target for the first delivery.
The government described the planned ships as having a crew of 92, a 32-cell vertical launch system and the ability to operate an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. Those features define the intended Australian configuration; the ships still require construction, equipment integration and operational preparation.
A separate contract announced the same day showed another part of that work. Mitsubishi Electric said it would manufacture anti-air warfare systems for the future fleet, drawing on its experience supplying systems for Japanese Mogami-class frigates.
The company identified sensor and information-processing technology as part of its contribution. Its announcement did not disclose the detailed Australian configuration or establish the performance of a completed ship.
The first ships and the later industrial plan
Australia’s April release distinguished the initial Japanese build from future construction in Western Australia. The domestic phase remained subject to consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct.
Preparing to support the ships is a related but earlier requirement. Australia said it was working with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to develop an initial ability to operate and sustain the upgraded frigates, with Australian industry and workers involved.
Royal Australian Navy personnel had already trained aboard Japan Ship Kumano during its transit to Australia for Exercise Kakadu. That offered experience on an existing Mogami-class ship, rather than qualification on the future upgraded Australian version.
The order thus joins a shipbuilding schedule to a longer transfer of operational and industrial knowledge. Japan will build the first three hulls, while Australia prepares the crews, maintenance arrangements and facilities that will have to support them after delivery.
Sources
- Australia locks in delivery of our first three general purpose frigates — Australian Defence Ministers · 2026-04-18.
- Mitsubishi Electric Awarded Contract for Acquisition of Anti-Air Warfare Systems for Australia’s Future Fleet of General-purpose Frigates — Mitsubishi Electric · 2026-04-18.
- Navy locks in future frigates — Australian Department of Defence · 2026-04-22.