The Japanese government has proposed an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate compatible with US weapon systems for the Australian Navy.
If procured, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries vessel will enhance interoperability among the navies of Australia, Japan, and the US, a Japanese delegation reportedly stated in a briefing for Australian political and business leaders.
The proposed frigate is one of two vessels down-selected by Canberra for the 10-billion Australian dollar ($6.62-billion) general-purpose frigate program.
A total of 11 vessels are planned to be procured under the program, which has Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as the other finalist with its MEKO A-200 frigate.
Australia is expected to select the winner by the end of 2025.
A replacement for the Anzac-class frigates, the new warship will be deployed for escort missions, air defense roles, and attack against surface targets.
Three of the frigates will be built abroad while the rest will be constructed in Australia.
Japanese Proposal
As part of an effort to make the proposal more appealing to the Australians, the Japanese side said that US missiles and other systems can be installed on the upgraded frigate.
Moreover, it will require only half the crew of another vessel of similar size, reducing the hull’s price by 30 percent, The Japan Times wrote.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries unveiled the proposed frigate in 2023, designating it as the Future Multi-mission Frigate – Anti Air Warfare.
With 18 percent more displacement than the Mogami’s 5,250 tons, the future vessel will have a 32-cell vertical launching system compared to its predecessor’s 16-cell system.
A more capable vertical launching system will allow the vessel to focus on air defense rather than self-defense.
