JS Mogami, the first Mogami-class frigate, sails into Tokyo Bay, Sept. 29, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Australia will purchase 11 Japanese-built Mogami-class frigates, with the first delivery expected in 2029, officials from both countries announced, underscoring growing defense ties amid concerns about China’s military expansion.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi unveiled the deal Saturday aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate JS Kumano in Melbourne.
The contract, valued at up to $10 billion, calls for initial ships to be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with later vessels potentially constructed in Australia by Austal, according to Australian government statements.
“The first 3 frigates will be built offshore by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,” the Australian navy’s website states. “Subject to the right conditions, the remaining frigates will be built at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia.”
The 466-foot Mogami-class ships are designed for multirole operations and feature a 32-cell vertical launch system, a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and the ability to operate an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, the navy said.
Australian sailors recently participated in training aboard the JS Kumano during naval exercises, gaining firsthand experience with the platform, Marles told reporters aboard the Kumano, according to an online transcript.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, meet at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tokyo, April 8, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
The agreement comes as Japan expands its defense export policy, relaxing long-standing restrictions rooted in its post-World War II pacifist constitution. The shift reflects growing concern in Tokyo over regional security, particularly China’s military activities.
In a joint statement, the ministers emphasized the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“We strongly opposed unlawful maritime claims, militarization of disputed features and other dangerous and coercive activities in the South China Sea,” the pair said of their discussions. “We expressed concern about instances of unsafe and unprofessional behavior by [China’s army] and its other maritime forces.”
They also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Cooperation between the two nations is key to strengthening regional security, Marles said, calling for fewer barriers between their defense industries.
The agreement represents a significant step in bilateral ties, Koizumi said.
The introduction of Japanese-made vessels into the Australian navy marks a significant step “to elevate our defense cooperation to a greater height,” he told reporters.
Analysts said Japan’s selection over a competing German bid reflects the capabilities of the Mogami-class ships.
“The Japanese design has a number of advanced features including its relatively large weapons load, its advanced stealth design and the impressive performance of earlier Mogami versions on operations,” Ross Babbage, a former Australian assistant defense secretary, said by email Monday.
Japan might consider buying Australian unmanned underwater systems or uncrewed combat aircraft, which are in advanced development and early production, he added.
The deal complements AUKUS, the pact between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States that calls for a rotational force of U.S. and British submarines operating from Western Australia starting next year, said Paul Buchanan, an American security analyst based in New Zealand.
AUKUS also includes the eventual sale of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
“The larger picture is that this is another plank in the picket fence being constructed to contain the [Chinese navy],” he said by email Monday.
