Mogami
Tokyo’s post-World War II defense policy has undergone a significant shift with the acquisition of Japan’s new stealth warship. In a landmark move, Australia has selected Japan’s Mogami-class stealth frigate for its interim naval program, awarding a $6.5 billion contract to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
This deal represents Japan’s largest-ever defense export and significantly elevates its standing in the global arms market.
Australia Picks Mogami-Class to Replace Ageing Fleet
Australia will acquire 11 Mogami-class frigates, with the first three to be built in Japan and the remaining eight constructed at a shipyard in Western Australia. These modern vessels will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s aging Anzac-class frigates, which are nearing the end of their 30-year operational lifespans.
“This is clearly the biggest defense industry agreement between Japan and Australia,” stated Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer in a field crowded with contenders from Germany, South Korea, and Spain, highlighting Tokyo’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific arms market.
Mogami-Class Frigate: A Compact Powerhouse
The 5,500-tonne Mogami-class is among the world’s newest frigate designs, with the lead ship commissioned into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in 2022. Measuring 427 feet, the warship boasts stealth shaping, multi-role capability, and compact automation.
Key features include:
- Two Type 17 anti-ship missile launchers
- A 16-cell vertical launch system (VLS)
- A five-inch naval gun
- Two .50 calibre machine guns
- Two Type 12 torpedo tubes
- Rear helideck for Seahawk helicopters or drones
Some Mogami variants feature a 32-cell VLS, but it’s not yet confirmed whether Australia will receive this upgraded configuration.
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer due in part to the vessel’s reduced crew requirements—only 90 sailors are needed, thanks to its advanced automation and integrated systems.
From Pacifism to Partnership: Japan’s Strategic Shift
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer, marking a symbolic shift in Tokyo’s post-WWII defense posture. After decades of enforcing a strict ban on weapon exports, Japan began easing restrictions in 2014 under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The landmark shift enabled limited arms development and sales to partner countries. Japan’s first significant export came in 2020, when it sold $100 million worth of air surveillance radars to the Philippines.
In 2023, Tokyo revised its policy again, this time allowing lethal weapons sales to allies. The Mogami-class frigate deal is the most prominent result so far of this relaxed export framework.
Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Alliance
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer, reinforcing growing defense ties between Tokyo and Canberra. Both nations are core members of the Quad alliance, alongside India and the United States, which seeks to counterbalance China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
The decision to procure the Mogami-class follows Australia’s need for an interim frigate solution while awaiting its delayed Hunter-class vessels. These larger, domestically built ships won’t enter service before 2034, leaving a capability gap that the Mogami fleet will fill.
This partnership underscores the strategic convergence of Australian and Japanese security interests in a region undergoing rapid militarization.
A Future-Focused Export Model
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer, offering not just capability but a scalable, modular export model. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will transfer expertise and technology to Australian shipbuilders, boosting local industry while reinforcing bilateral trust.
The agreement could serve as a model for future Japanese arms exports, offering turnkey platforms with local assembly options. This approach could make Japan a more competitive player in a defense market long dominated by U.S. and European manufacturers.
Conclusion
Japan’s new stealth warship just won over a big buyer, and in doing so, redefined Tokyo’s role in global defense exports. The Mogami-class frigate’s success with Australia reflects more than naval capability—it signals Japan’s re-emergence as a responsible and capable defense partner.
As Tokyo expands its defense diplomacy, expect more deals to follow—especially as demand grows for compact, capable warships in an increasingly contested maritime domain.
