Japanese Warship Selected for Australian Naval Force
The Japanese-built Mogami-class frigate has been chosen by the Australian government for its future fleet of general-purpose frigates, marking a significant milestone in the cooperation between the two nations in defense technology. This decision, announced by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles on Tuesday, also represents Japan's first frigate exports.
The Mogami-class frigate offers advanced capabilities and strategic benefits that align with the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) requirements for a modern, versatile surface combatant. Key features include a long range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of firing surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and an overall larger displacement and size providing enhanced onboard systems and endurance.
The upgraded Mogami-class also boasts upgraded radar, improved sensors, advanced mission systems, and reduced manpower requirements compared to conventional frigates, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability for future enhancements.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, stated that the Australian decision recognizes the reliability of Japan's advanced technology. He also highlighted the proven performance and reliability of the Mogami-class, based on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' design experience.
The Mogami-class was selected over a German frigate due to its ability to operate with fewer crew members than conventional destroyers, a crucial factor in operational efficiency. Additionally, the Mogami-class's compatibility with advanced weapons like the Tomahawk cruise missile, thanks to the use of longer "strike length" VLS cells, was another significant advantage.
The decision also underscores the importance of interoperability between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Australian Defense Force. The first three frigates will be built in Japan and delivered by 2029, helping Australia quickly address capability gaps as the older Anzac-class frigates retire.
This selection signifies a significant upgrade over Australia’s aging Anzac-class frigates, providing a more lethal, longer-range, and technologically advanced platform to safeguard Australia’s maritime interests and better integrate with allied naval forces. The combination of performance, capability, rapid deliverability, and strategic cooperation were decisive factors in the Mogami-class's selection for the SEA 3000 program.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the growing strategic partnership between Australia and Japan, reflecting their shared Indo-Pacific security interests.
The decision to choose the Mogami-class frigate, with its advanced technology and efficiency features, was also praised for its ability to integrate with allied naval forces, fostering a stronger cooperation between Japan and Australia in politics and general-news. The selection of the Japanese-built Mogami-class frigate over a German counterpart for sports like naval combat highlights the country's commitment to maintaining a technologically superior navy and ensuring the safety of its maritime interests.
