Australia has chosen Rolls-Royce to provide its MT30 marine gas turbines for the Royal Australian Navy’s future Mogami-class frigates, part of a joint A$10 billion ($7.1 billion) naval program with Japan that could include up to 11 ships.
The MT30 turbine serves as the primary propulsion system in Japan’s Mogami-class vessels operated by the Japan Self-Defense Force, where it is paired with twin diesel engines to generate around 70,000 horsepower, enabling speeds beyond 30 knots.
In addition, Rolls-Royce Power Systems will supply mtu Series 4000-based diesel generator sets for onboard electricity, with delivery managed through licensed partner Daihatsu Infinearth.
The MT30 engine is already widely deployed across allied navies, including the US Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ships and Zumwalt-class destroyers, as well as the UK Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and Type 26 frigates. It is also in service with South Korea’s Daegu-class and Chungnam-class frigates, alongside Italy’s latest amphibious helicopter dock platforms.
Furthermore, the same propulsion system has been selected for Australia’s Hunter-class frigates, ensuring greater commonality and logistical efficiency across the Royal Australian Navy’s next-generation surface fleet.
