Japan’s MHI Wins $10B Contract to Build 11 Australian Navy Frigates

Australia has selected Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to build eleven upgraded Mogami-class stealth frigates for its navy, marking Japan's largest modern defense export deal. The $10 billion contract includes the construction of the first three frigates in Japan, with the remaining eight to be built in Western Australia, supporting Australian naval shipbuilding and local jobs. The Mogami-class frigates, designed with advanced stealth technology inspired by Japan’s ATD-X Shinshin stealth fighter, will replace Australia’s aging Anzac-class ships and feature capabilities such as anti-submarine warfare, local air defense, and long-range missile systems. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted the deal as a major milestone in Australia-Japan bilateral relations and a significant enhancement of the navy's maritime security and power projection. The project aligns with Australia's broader $55 billion investment in defense over the next two decades and strengthens defense cooperation between Australia, Japan, and the United States. Both governments expect the first frigate to be operational by 2030, five years ahead of previous schedules, enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region.