In a bold move to capture a lucrative contract, Japanese officials have unveiled their pitch for Australia’s $10 billion general purpose frigate program, confidently championing the Mogami frigate as a superior choice. They assert that this advanced vessel outshines a competing offering from Germany in speed, stealth, and compatibility with U.S. naval operations.
Last month, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) emerged as frontrunners in a competitive selection process, beating out contenders from South Korea and Spain. Australia is now weighing its options: to procure a larger, upgraded version of the yet-to-be-launched Mogami 30 FFM or to opt for a variant of Germany’s established MEKO A-200, currently in service with the Egyptian navy.
The Royal Australian Navy is eager to kickstart the SEA3000 project, aiming to replace its aging ANZAC-class fleet with foreign-built warships by 2029, eventually transitioning manufacturing to the Henderson shipyard near Perth.
In their first public comments since the down-selection, officials from Japan’s Ministry of Defence emphasized the strategic partnership between the two nations. They reassured Australia of their capability to transfer naval technology despite Japan’s limited experience in warship exports.
The 4,800-tonne Mogami frigate boasts a speed of 30 knots, eclipsing the MEKO’s capabilities. It features a cutting-edge 32-cell Mk41 vertical launch system designed for U.S. munitions and is equipped with advanced sensors and radar, enhancing its interoperability with both American and Australian naval forces.
Koji Nishimura, an ATLA official, highlighted the importance of collaboration among like-minded nations sharing common values. He noted MHI’s successful history with the American Aegis Combat System, asserting that their experience positions them well for this venture.
During recent trilateral discussions in Darwin, Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani described the relationship with Australia as a “quasi alliance,” a sentiment echoed by his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, who praised the Mogami as a formidable platform.
Despite Japan’s lack of prior warship exports, Satoshi Ishihara from ATLA expressed confidence in their proposal, citing robust government support and MHI’s capacity to construct multiple ships simultaneously across three shipyards.
“MHI has a rich 120-year history in shipbuilding, consistently meeting time and budget commitments,” Ishihara stated, reinforcing Japan’s readiness to take on this significant challenge.
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