Australia signs $10B+ deal with Japan for 11 Mogami-class frigates
Consensus Summary
Australia and Japan formally signed a multi-billion-dollar contract on April 18, 2026, for the production of 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to replace Australia’s ageing Anzac-class vessels. The first three ships will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with deliveries starting in December 2029, while the remaining eight will be constructed at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. The deal, valued at $10 billion initially and later revised to $20 billion (including infrastructure costs), is part of Australia’s broader defence modernization and signals deepened strategic ties with Japan. Both countries emphasized the program’s importance for regional security, with Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese counterpart Koizumi Shinjirō signing the agreement aboard a Mogami-class frigate in Melbourne. The frigates will feature advanced missile systems and a reduced crew size, reflecting their cutting-edge design. While the project is seen as a historic acquisition, some analysts question Australia’s ability to meet production timelines locally, though officials remain confident in the plan.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Australia signed a contract with Japan for the first three Mogami-class frigates on 2026-04-18, formalized by the Mogami Memorandum.
- The first three frigates will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with delivery scheduled from 2029.
- The remaining eight frigates will be built at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia.
- The frigates are designed to carry a 32-cell vertical launch system, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, with a crew of 90–92 personnel.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjirō signed the agreement aboard the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano in Melbourne.
- The total cost of the program was initially estimated at $10 billion in 2024, with the 2026 defence strategy updating the figure to $20 billion (including Henderson redevelopment).
- The frigates are part of a plan to replace Australia’s ageing Anzac-class vessels and expand the navy’s surface combatant fleet.
- The first frigate is scheduled for delivery in December 2029, with entry into service expected in 2030.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The contract signing was marked by the signing of the Mogami Memorandum between Australia and Japan, formalising cooperation on the program and broader defence industry links.
- Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated the acquisition was the 'fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime'.
- The total cost of the full frigate program is expected to run into tens of billions of dollars over the coming decade, though the final figure remains unclear.
- The upgraded Mogami-class frigates are designed to travel up to 10,000 nautical miles.
- Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the contract was for 'one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigate in the world'.
- The first three vessels will be constructed in Japan, with later ships expected to be built at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia once the site is consolidated.
- The ceremony included a 'sometimes-jubilant atmosphere' with Chief of Navy Mark Hammon declaring 'let's cut steel' after the signing.
- Japan's Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjirō said the program was a 'major step to elevate our defence relationship to a greater height'.
- Analysts are sceptical Australia will be able to deliver the complex construction project in Western Australia, but Marles dismissed concerns.
- China has sharply criticised Japan's recent shift in defence posture, saying it risks undermining regional stability.
- Japan is relaxing restrictions on defence exports and loosening constraints imposed by its pacifist post-War constitution.
- The government insists there hasn't been a cost blowout, and the new $20 billion figure reflects the expanded timeframe covered by the 2026 defence strategy.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 2 (NEWSCOMAU) states the first three frigates will be delivered by 2034, while Articles 1 and 3 (NEWSCOMAU/ABC) state the third will be delivered by 2034 but the first by 2029.
- Article 2 (NEWSCOMAU) mentions the initial cost is $10 billion, while Article 3 (ABC) clarifies the $20 billion figure includes Henderson redevelopment costs, not just the ships.
- Article 1 (NEWSCOMAU) states the crew size is 92 personnel, while Article 3 (ABC) states it is 90 personnel.
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