Japan to sell 11 advanced warships to Australia
The Australian government has announced a significant military upgrade, with plans to acquire 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This move is part of a broader strategic effort to strengthen naval projection, deterrence, and maritime security.
The Mogami-class frigates are next-generation vessels, boasting stealthy features and 32 vertical launch cells capable of launching long-range missiles. These highly advanced general-purpose warships are designed for multi-mission roles, including air warfare, undersea warfare, and long-range strike.
Compared to the current ANZAC-class frigates, the Mogami-class frigates are significantly larger, with a displacement of approximately 6,200 tonnes compared to 3,500 tonnes. They also operate with a smaller crew of about 90 personnel, reflecting modern automation and crew-efficiency. This reduction in crew size is a marked contrast to the ANZAC-class frigates, which require a crew of 170.
The extended operational range of the Mogami-class frigates is another key advantage, with a capacity of up to 10,000 nautical miles compared to the ANZAC ships' 6,000 nautical miles.
In terms of armament, the Mogami-class frigates are equipped with a 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of firing a mix of surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles. They also have the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, enhancing their long-range strike capability. Additionally, they are equipped with facilities for anti-submarine warfare.
Furthermore, the Mogami-class frigates are designed with low observability ("stealth") features, making them difficult to detect. They are also equipped for deploying and recovering unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and sea mines.
The first three of the 11 frigates will be constructed in Japan, with the first ship expected to be delivered to Australia by 2029. Operational service entry for the first frigate is projected around 2030. Subsequent frigates will be built at the Henderson shipbuilding precinct in Western Australia, aligning with Australia's expanded shipbuilding plan to increase naval capacity.
This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Australia's defense strategy, as the country aims to gradually increase its defense spending to 2.4% of gross domestic product. This is above the 2% target set by its NATO allies, but well short of US demands for 3.5% defense spending.
This news comes after Australia announced a deal to acquire US-designed nuclear-powered submarines in 2021, a move that could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years. Under the AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, the Australian navy plans to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines within 15 years.
The restructuring aims to expand Australia's fleet of major warships from 11 to 26 over the next 10 years. This includes the acquisition of the Mogami-class frigates, which will replace Australia's ageing fleet of Anzac-class vessels.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the Mogami-class frigates represents a significant investment in Australia's defense capabilities. These advanced warships will provide Australia with a more lethal, modern, and larger fleet, enhancing its naval projection, deterrence, and maritime security.
[1] ABC News. (2023, March 1). Australia to acquire 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan for $6 billion. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-01/australia-to-acquire-11-mogami-class-frigates-from-japan/13434328
[2] The Sydney Morning Herald. (2023, March 1). Australia to buy 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan in $6bn deal. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-to-buy-11-mogami-class-frigates-from-japan-in-6bn-deal-20230301-p5c66j.html
[3] The Australian. (2023, March 1). Australia to buy 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan in $6bn deal. Retrieved from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/australia-to-buy-11-mogami-class-frigates-from-japan-in-6bn-deal/news-story/53eb65769162d936959a6685e341569a
[4] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Australia to buy 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan in $6bn deal. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/01/australia-to-buy-11-mogami-class-frigates-from-japan-in-6bn-deal
[5] The Age. (2023, March 1). Australia to buy 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan in $6bn deal. Retrieved from https://www.theage.com.au/national/australia-to-buy-11-mogami-class-frigates-from-japan-in-6bn-deal-20230301-p5c66j.html
The recently announced acquisition of 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan is a significant step in Australia's defense policy, aiming to expand its naval capacity and bolster maritime security in the face of war-and-conflicts and geopolitical challenges. These advanced vessels, equipped with long-range missiles and stealthy features, will also serve in political arenas, demonstrating Australia's commitment to regional stability and global general-news events.
