All articles tagged with #frigates
Sweden announced a $4.25 billion deal to buy four French FD I frigates from Naval Group, a move that will triple the Nordic country’s air defense capacity with deliveries starting in 2030, marking its biggest defense investment since the 1980s and a step since joining NATO in 2024; the news lifted European defense stocks, with Saab rising about 5% as analysts expect continued growth in defense spending across Europe.
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.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won Australia’s first-ever warship export contract, a AU$10 billion deal to build three upgraded Mogami-class general-purpose frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, with the first ship due in 2029; Australia plans up to AU$20 billion for 11 frigates, the first three built by MHI, and the deal helped lift MHI shares about 4% as Japan weighs loosening arms-export rules.
Taiwan plans to build 10 light frigates—five for air defense and five for anti-submarine warfare—between 2028 and 2040, based on a Gibbs & Cox design and totaling about 2,500 tons each. The program is part of a $9.9 billion six-ship-building package, with $7.8 billion earmarked for the anti-air and ASW ships. The frigates would supplement already commissioned two-per-configuration ships since 2023–2024 and accompany other ROCN acquisitions (submarine rescue ship, fast combat support, rescue vessels, and a 10,600-ton amphibious assault vessel) as Taiwan retires aging Knox-class frigates. Analysts caution about the ships’ survivability in a conflict with a larger PLAN and emphasize balancing capabilities with Taiwan’s nimble missile boats amid ongoing grey-zone threats.
Norway has selected Britain as its strategic partner to acquire new frigates in a $13.5 billion deal, aiming to enhance its maritime defense and monitor Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, with the UK providing a fleet of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates to operate jointly in northern Europe.
Australia is set to purchase 11 stealth frigates from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a $6 billion deal, marking Japan's largest defense export since WWII, to bolster its navy amid regional tensions with China and strengthen strategic ties with Japan and allies like the U.S. and India.
Australia has selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries over Thyssenkrupp for a $6.5 billion deal to build up to 11 frigates, marking Japan's first major export of warships and strengthening Australia-Japan strategic ties amid regional tensions.
Fincantieri, the builder of the US Navy's new Constellation frigates, plans to introduce welding robots to triple productivity and increase quality in an effort to accelerate production. The company aims to build two frigates every year at its Marinette Marine yard, faster than the current schedule of three every two years. Fincantieri is also venturing into sub-sea technology for both civil and naval sectors, with ambitions in drones, underwater communications, and integration of oil and gas technology for sub-sea defense needs.
Two Russian frigates sailed through waters near Taiwan, prompting concerns and heightening tensions in the region. The rare move was detected by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, raising questions about Russia's intentions and potential implications for regional stability.