Mogami-class frigate selected for the Navy’s new general purpose frigates
5 AUGUST 2025
The Albanese Government is accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general purpose frigates.
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32 Cell Vertical Launch System, and is fitted with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
The decision comes months ahead of schedule – reflecting the Albanese Government’s commitment to transforming the ADF into a more integrated, focussed force.
The Government acknowledges the competitive, high-quality proposal submitted by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and thank them for their commitment and professionalism throughout this procurement process.
Defence will now proceed with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026.
The Government’s response to the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program will see the first three frigates built in Japan – with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.
That means, under the Albanese Government, the Navy will receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than planned by the former Coalition government.
Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct in Western Australia will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally, in line with the Albanese Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.
Over the next two decades, tens of billions of dollars will be invested in defence capabilities in the West, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled jobs. This forms part of the Albanese Government’s $55 billion investment over the decade for Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Australia’s new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac-class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence.
Alongside the Hunter-class frigates and the upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and advanced missile investments, the general purpose frigates will be an essential part of the Albanese Government’s plan to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Source: Defence Press Release