Australia has finalized a contract to acquire the first three of eleven advanced warships from Japan, marking a significant step in deepening defense cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners. The agreement, announced in late 2023, centers on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates, which will be adapted to meet Royal Australian Navy specifications. This procurement reflects Australia’s broader strategy to modernize its naval fleet amid growing regional security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea and around critical maritime trade routes.
The deal underscores a shift in Australia’s defense procurement policy, traditionally dominated by purchases from the United States and Europe. By turning to Japan for these frigates, Canberra is diversifying its sources of military technology although strengthening ties with a key regional ally. The vessels are expected to enhance Australia’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, a priority given increased submarine activity in the region by both state and non-state actors.
Under the terms of the agreement, Australia will receive the first three ships by the mid-2020s, with the remaining eight to follow in subsequent batches. The total value of the contract has not been publicly disclosed, though defense analysts estimate it could exceed AUD 6 billion based on comparable frigate programs. Each Mogami-class frigate displaces approximately 5,500 tons and is equipped with advanced radar, missile systems, and undersea warfare technology.
The Mogami-class design, developed by Japan’s Ministry of Defense and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Marine United, features a modular mission system that allows for rapid reconfiguration based on operational needs. This flexibility aligns with the Royal Australian Navy’s interest in platforms capable of conducting multiple mission types, including air defense, surface warfare, and humanitarian assistance.
Japan’s decision to export defense equipment marks a notable evolution in its post-World War II security policy. For decades, Japan maintained strict limits on arms exports under its Three Principles on Arms Exports. However, in 2014, the government began easing these restrictions, and in 2023, it further revised its guidelines to allow for greater international defense cooperation, particularly with like-minded democracies.
The acquisition comes as both nations intensify their strategic alignment in response to assertive maritime behavior by China. Australia and Japan have conducted joint military exercises regularly in recent years, including biennial exercises involving the United States and India under the Malabar series. In 2023, the two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which streamlines the logistics of deploying forces on each other’s territory and is expected to facilitate joint training and operations involving the fresh frigates.
Defense officials in Canberra have emphasized that the frigates will not only bolster naval strength but also support industrial collaboration. Discussions are underway regarding potential joint maintenance, logistics, and training programs between Australian and Japanese defense industries. Some analysts suggest the deal could open pathways for future cooperation on emerging technologies such as unmanned systems and cyber defense.
Critics of the procurement have raised concerns about interoperability, noting that integrating Japanese-built vessels into a fleet traditionally reliant on American and European systems may require significant adjustments in training, maintenance, and logistics. Others point to the lack of combat experience with the Mogami-class in high-intensity environments, though sea trials conducted by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have demonstrated strong performance in simulated scenarios.
Supporters argue that the frigates offer a cost-effective and timely solution to capability gaps in the Australian fleet. With several of the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates nearing the end of their service lives, the Mogami-class ships are seen as a viable interim solution while Australia continues to develop its Hunter-class frigates under a separate domestic build program.
The Hunter-class program, based on the British Type 26 frigate design, has faced delays and cost overruns, prompting the government to explore complementary procurement options. The Japanese frigates, by contrast, are already in serial production, offering a lower-risk path to fleet expansion.
As of early 2024, the first of the three frigates is undergoing final outfitting at a Japanese shipyard, with delivery expected in 2025. The Australian Department of Defence has confirmed that crew training will start in Japan later this year, followed by joint exercises in Australian waters upon arrival.
This acquisition represents more than a simple arms deal; it reflects a broader trend of like-minded Indo-Pacific nations deepening defense ties to uphold a rules-based maritime order. For Australia, it signals a willingness to look beyond traditional suppliers in pursuit of security resilience. For Japan, it marks a growing willingness to contribute to regional stability through proactive defense engagement.
The next key milestone is the formal delivery of the first frigate, expected in late 2025, followed by a ceremonial commissioning into the Royal Australian Navy. Updates on the program will be published through the Australian Department of Defence’s official website and reported in defense journals such as Jane’s Defence Weekly and Defense News.
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