Australia has officially placed an order for 11 NewFFM stealth frigates from Japan.
The Royal Australian Navy has signed a contract to purchase NewFFM-class multi-purpose frigates manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, marking a historic warship export for Japan.
The Australian government has officially signed a contract to purchase the first three NewFFM-class multi-purpose frigates from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). This is part of a naval modernization strategy aimed at doubling the size of the nation's surface fleet.
A strategic turning point in defense cooperation.
This agreement marks a significant milestone as it is Japan's first sale of new warships overseas since the lifting of its 80-year arms export ban. Australia plans to purchase a total of 11 new-generation multi-purpose warships to replace its eight aging Anzac-class frigates, which entered service in the 1990s.
According to the plan, the first three ships will be built in Japan and the remaining eight will be constructed at the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The Royal Australian Navy is expected to receive the first ship in 2029. During the bidding process, the Japanese design beat the MEKO A-200 project by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems from Germany.
Technical analysis of the NewFFM-class frigate.
The NewFFM class is a significantly modernized version of the Mogami-class frigates currently serving in the Japan Self-Defense Navy. The ship has been considerably enlarged, with a length increase of 9 meters and a displacement increase from 3,900 tons to 4,880 tons, enhancing its survivability and weapons integration capabilities.
| Specifications | Detailed value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,880 tons |
| Length | An increase of 9m compared to the old Mogami layer. |
| Maximum speed | 30 knots/hour |
| Operating range | 10,000 nautical miles |
Firepower and combat systems
In terms of weaponry, the NewFFM is equipped with a Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) with 32 launch tubes, capable of deploying medium- and long-range anti-aircraft missiles such as the SM-2 and SM-6, as well as specialized anti-submarine missiles. The main gun system is a 127mm Mk 45 Mod 4, combined with 8 anti-ship missile launchers.
Notably, this warship is also designed to integrate unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for mine-clearing and long-range reconnaissance missions. The combination of stealth technology, powerful firepower, and high levels of automation makes the NewFFM one of the most modern frigates in the Pacific region.