Australia and Japan sign $7 billion stealth warship deal on 18 April 2026

Key facts

• Australia and Japan signed a $7 billion defence contract for the supply of advanced stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
• Japan will deliver the first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates starting from 2029, while eight additional vessels will be constructed in Australia.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) secured the contract to build the initial ships in Japan, winning over Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
• The upgraded Mogami-class frigates will feature a range of 10,000 nautical miles and be equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system.
• The vessels are designed to carry surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles and will be capable of operating MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
• Australian construction of the frigates will take place at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, creating approximately 10,000 skilled jobs.
• The agreement includes provisions for training and operational coordination between the RAN and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF).
• Both nations are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) grouping, which also includes India and the United States (US).