Australian Navy Selects Japanese Vessel for Fleet
In a significant move, the Australian government has chosen the upgraded Mogami-class frigate from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force as its preferred platform for future general-purpose frigates. This decision, announced by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles on Tuesday, marks a significant step in the military cooperation between Australia and Japan.
The Australian government made this decision in a statement issued on Tuesday, citing the Mogami-class frigate's advanced technology, stealth design, and versatile combat capabilities as key factors. The new frigates are expected to meet the strategic needs of the Australian Defense Force, enhancing its naval power quickly and cost-effectively to meet evolving Indo-Pacific strategic demands.
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate features a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) for missiles, and a mix of anti-ship and surface-to-air missile systems. This frigate class also enhances undersea warfare and air defense, making it an ideal choice for securing maritime trade routes and northern approaches.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani acknowledged the decision, stating that it recognizes the reliability of Japan's advanced technology. Nakatani made this statement at a press conference in Tokyo, where the decision was also discussed. The press conference was held to further highlight the positive development in the military cooperation between Australia and Japan.
The Japanese government and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the manufacturer of the Mogami, lobbied together for Australia to select the upgraded version. One of the reasons for the selection was the Mogami's ability to operate efficiently with a smaller crew, making it a more cost-effective choice compared to conventional destroyers.
The Australian program comprises 11 vessels acquired for about AU$10 billion (US$6.5 billion). The first three will be built in Japan, with the remainder to be built in Western Australia, enabling rapid entry into service by around 2030. The design is about 10 meters longer than previous versions, incorporating improvements that reflect Japanese naval shipbuilding efficiency and advanced technologies.
This deal marks Japan’s first major defense export and strengthens Japan-Australia strategic defense cooperation. The Australian decision to choose the upgraded Mogami-class frigate is seen as a positive development in the military cooperation between Australia and Japan, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
- The selection of the upgraded Mogami-class frigate by the Australian government signifies a recognition of Japan's advanced technology, particularly in naval shipbuilding and combat systems.
- The Australian Defense Force anticipates that the new general-purpose frigates, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will augment their capacity in areas such as undersea warfare and air defense, serving strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Australian government's decision to opt for the Mogami-class frigate has significant financial implications, with the upgraded version offering cost-effectiveness through its ability to operate efficiently with a smaller crew compared to conventional destroyers.
