Australia-Japan seal landmark Mogami frigate deal to revamp navy fleet

Australia and Japan have signed a multi-billion-dollar deal under Project Sea 3000 to procure three upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, with eight more to be built in Western Australia at up to A$20 billion over the next decade. The first hull is due in December 2029, marking Japan's largest defense export. The move aims to reverse the RAN's fleet decline by upgrading from the Anzac-class, equipping the ships with ESSM Block 2 missiles, Mk 41 VLS, Naval Strike Missiles, torpedoes and SeaRAM, and keeping modifications to a minimum to ensure timely delivery. Australia and Japan will eventually operate a combined fleet of about 35 Mogami frigates.