Japan Proposes Upgraded Mogami Frigate to Boost Australia’s Naval Power and Allied Interoperability

Japan has officially offered Australia an upgraded version of its Mogami-class stealth frigate. The presentation took place on 21 July 2025 in Canberra, where Japanese officials briefed Australian political and defense leaders as part of Tokyo’s strategy to win a major naval contract and boost trilateral defense cooperation with the United States and Australia.

The proposal is part of Australia’s plan to build 11 new advanced frigates, a key element of its $10 billion naval modernization program. Japan’s offering is competing against a German-designed frigate, with a final decision expected by the end of 2025.

The briefing was led by Takeshi Ishikawa, Commissioner of Japan’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency, who emphasized the interoperability of the Mogami frigate. He explained that the upgraded version is built to support missile and weapon systems used by the US military, ensuring seamless cooperation between Australian, American, and Japanese naval forces—a crucial factor for Canberra, which prioritizes combined allied operations amid growing regional security challenges.

The Mogami-class (30DX or 30FFM) frigate is a multi-role stealth vessel developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It is 133 meters long, has a full-load displacement of 5,500 tons, and uses a CODAG propulsion system that combines a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine with two MAN diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 30 knots.

One of the standout features is its high level of automation, reducing the crew size to around 90 personnel, which is half the standard crew of comparable ships. This cuts operational costs by approximately 30%, addressing both budget constraints and recruitment shortages faced by many navies today.

In terms of firepower, the Mogami-class includes:

• A 127mm Mk45 main gun

• Eight Type 17 anti-ship missiles

• A SeaRAM anti-air system

• Two triple torpedo tubes armed with Type 12 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare

• 16 Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells (planned for retrofit), compatible with various missile types

It can also operate an SH-60L helicopter, unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, and mine-laying equipment. For protection, it features the NOLQ-3E electronic warfare system and decoy launchers, enhancing survivability in hostile environments.

This latest version of the Mogami-class benefits from stealth technology inspired by Japan’s Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin stealth fighter research, giving it a low radar profile for better performance in contested waters.

The Canberra event also highlighted Japan’s public-private partnership strategy, with top executives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, including Chairman Seiji Izumisawa, in attendance. This aligns with Japan’s new approach to arms exports, moving away from past caution to a more proactive stance. In 2024, Japan formed a special committee to pursue the Australian contract, showing a unified national effort to expand its defense export footprint.

Earlier this year, Japan deployed two Mogami-class frigates, Noshiro and Yahagi, to Australia. This allowed Australian officials to directly inspect the vessels’ capabilities, strengthening Tokyo’s case for selection.

If chosen, Japan’s Mogami-class will not only shape the future of the Royal Australian Navy but also signal Japan’s emergence as a trusted defense partner and solidify a strategic triangle of interoperable military power between Australia, Japan, and the United States in the Indo-Pacific.