The Australian Navy has announced a contract for new frigates incorporating Japanese escort ship technology. This will be Japan's first export project of its kind, with 3 ships to be built in Japan and the remainder locally, involving investment of approximately ¥2.2 trillion over 10 years.
In April 2026, Japan and Australia announced a contract for the construction of 3 general-purpose frigates based on an enhanced version of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class escort ship and signed a memorandum of cooperation. Australia plans to invest up to approximately ¥2.2 trillion over the next 10 years, with 11 ships expected to be built.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has been awarded the contract to build the first 3 ships in Japan, with delivery of the lead ship targeted for December 2029. Construction of the fourth ship onward is planned to take place locally.
Against the backdrop of changes to Japan's Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment, the Japanese government shifted its policy toward allowing arms exports and international joint development. This transfer will be one of the largest projects ever undertaken for Japan's domestic defense industry.
Competitors included South Korea's Hanwha and Hyundai, Spain's Navantia and Germany's TKMS. Japan was once seen as having no chance, but the technology of its new FFM became the decisive factor in its selection.