Australia Inks $6.5-B Deal with Japan for Acquisition of 11 Frigates

Japan’s advanced Mogami-class frigates.

Australia Inks $6.5-B Deal with Japan for Acquisition of 11 Frigates

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | August 13, 2025

CANBERRA, Australia — In a move to reshape the balance of power in the Pacific, Australia has inked a landmark $6.5 billion deal with Japan to acquire 11 advanced Mogami-class frigates.

Analysts say the acquisition will significantly enhance Australia’s maritime capabilities while simultaneously establishing Japan as a rising force in the global arms trade.

The stealth-capable frigates, considered by some experts to rival or even surpass the naval assets of both China and the United States, are a direct response to growing security concerns in the region, particularly escalating tensions with China.

“This deal is a pivotal move toward strengthening our navy,” declared Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry, Pat Conroy.

“These stealth frigates will enhance our lethality, deterring potential threats,” Conroy said.

The agreement comes on the heels of increased Chinese naval activity in the region, including recent live-fire exercises that disrupted civilian air traffic.

Superior Capabilities

The Australian Defense Ministry confirmed that the frigates are enhanced versions of the Mogami-class currently deployed by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force.

These larger vessels boast increased firepower and an extended operational range of approximately 11,500 miles.

Japan’s Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, hailed the agreement as a “significant advancement in security collaboration” between the two nations.

Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the frigates will be equipped with 32 Mk 41 vertical launch systems, capable of deploying both surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles.

The vessels can carry a staggering 128 air defense missiles, quadrupling the capacity of Australia’s existing ANZAC-class frigates.

Experts highlight the versatility of the Mk 41 systems, noting their ability to accommodate Tomahawk cruise missiles and extend operational reach.

The frigates can also deploy long-range anti-submarine missiles, enhancing the ability to track and engage nuclear submarines.

Efficiency, Tactical Advantage

Beyond firepower, the Mogami-class frigates are praised for their reduced crew requirements, needing only 90 personnel compared to the 170 required for Australia’s current ANZAC-class frigates.

This efficiency is particularly crucial for nations like Japan and Australia, which face ongoing challenges in military recruitment, Conroy said.

The Mogami-class’ stealth features, reduced crew size, modular design, and competitive pricing were key factors in Australia’s decision to choose the Japanese design over a German alternative.

Experts also emphasize the importance of the ships’ software capabilities, which may provide a crucial tactical edge in combat scenarios.

Japan’s Expanding Defense Role

The deal signals a promising future for Japan’s defense export sector, which has historically been restricted but is now beginning to expand.

Japan has recently started exporting military equipment, including air surveillance radars to the Philippines and Patriot missile interceptors to the U.S.

Under the agreement, the first three frigates will be constructed in Japan, while the remaining eight will be built in Australia.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity for Japan to solidify its position within the global defense industry.

AUKUS and the Future of Australian Defense

The Australian government views the frigate deal as part of a broader defense investment strategy that aims to create thousands of jobs domestically.

The initiative is closely linked to the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) pact, which includes plans for Australia to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines.

The first of the new frigates is expected to be operational by 2029.

The deal represents a resurgence for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the global military market, a company with a long naval manufacturing history, having previously played a crucial role in the Imperial Japanese Navy prior to World War II.