The Albanese Government is accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy's future fleet of general purpose frigates.
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32 Cell Vertical Launch System, and is fitted with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
The decision comes months ahead of schedule - reflecting the Albanese Government's commitment to transforming the ADF into a more integrated, focussed force.
The Government acknowledges the competitive, high-quality proposal submitted by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and thank them for their commitment and professionalism throughout this procurement process.
Defence will now proceed with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026.
The Government's response to the Independent Analysis of Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program will see the first three frigates built in Japan - with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.
That means, under the Albanese Government, the Navy will receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than planned by the former Coalition government.
Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct in Western Australia will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally, in line with the Albanese Government's commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.
Over the next two decades, tens of billions of dollars will be invested in defence capabilities in the West, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled jobs. This forms part of the Albanese Government's $55 billion investment over the decade for Navy's surface combatant fleet.
Australia's new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac-class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence.
Alongside the Hunter-class frigates and the upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and advanced missile investments, the general purpose frigates will be an essential part of the Albanese Government's plan to more than double the size of Navy's surface combatant fleet.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government's focus on investing in the capabilities we need now and into the future, to meet Australia's strategic circumstances.
"The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet.
"The Albanese Government is delivering these commitments at pace, as part of our sustained commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in the West - driving jobs, investment and infrastructure for decades to come.
"We thank both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as well as the governments of Japan and Germany for their focus and cooperation throughout this procurement process."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
"Today, we are taking another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal Navy, with stealth frigates that will reassure our allies and deter our adversaries.
"The upgraded Mogami‑class frigate is the best option for our Navy, boosting its capability to put to sea.
"It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cutting‑edge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail in an increasingly complex environment.
"This decision comes months ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to deliver of capability at speed and at a lower overall cost to taxpayers. It makes good on our commitment to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to the plan inherited by the former Coalition government."
