Japan is preparing formal discussions to offer the upgraded version of its domestically developed Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate to New Zealand, with defense officials from both countries expected to advance the proposal later this month.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is reportedly set to meet New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk on the sidelines of a multinational security forum in Singapore to discuss the potential sale, according to Kyodo News.
Wellington is currently evaluating the Japanese Mogami design against the United Kingdom’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate as part of its future naval modernization plans.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles is expected to support Tokyo’s bid during the event ahead of New Zealand’s final procurement decision.
Marles is also anticipated to hold talks on wider trilateral defense cooperation aimed at improving interoperability among Australia, Japan, and New Zealand as the three nations strengthen security coordination in response to China’s expanding maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific.
If held, the meeting would represent the first trilateral engagement between the three defense ministers, sources said.
The latest development follows Australia’s decision in April to procure 11 warships derived from Japan’s Mogami-class frigate design.
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is currently acquiring 12 upgraded variants of the Mogami-class platform, known as the FFM frigate, equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and mine-countermeasure capabilities.
The new FFM design will measure 142 meters (466 feet) long with a beam of 17 meters (56 feet) and feature a 32-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system, doubling the missile capacity of earlier Mogami frigates.
The ships will also carry air defense and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and naval guns while using a combined diesel and gas propulsion system. Each vessel will accommodate up to 90 personnel and one patrol helicopter.
Tokyo plans to commission the first two FFM frigates in 2028, with the entire fleet expected to enter service by 2032.
