Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has awarded Tokyo-based OKI a contract to provide towed passive sonar systems and associated equipment for the Royal Australian Navy’s future general-purpose frigate fleet. Although the contract value has not been disclosed, it covers the first three of 11 upgraded Mogami-class stealth frigates ordered by Australia under a multi-billion-dollar agreement signed with Japan in April. The award marks a significant milestone for OKI, whose underwater acoustic technologies have supported the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than 90 years and represents the company’s first overseas defense equipment export. Australia selected MHI’s enhanced Mogami-class (06FFM) frigate design over TKMS’ MEKO A-200 proposal in August 2025 as part of its General Purpose Frigate program to replace the aging Anzac-class fleet. The new warships will perform escort, air defense, and surface warfare missions. The first three frigates will be built overseas, while the remaining eight will be constructed in Western Australia. Delivery of the lead vessel is scheduled for December 2029, with commissioning expected in 2030. Compared with the original Mogami class, the improved 06FFM features a larger design and 32 vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of firing long-range missiles. MHI is also working with key industry partners, including Rolls-Royce for MT30 marine gas turbines and Raytheon for the SeaRAM close-in weapon system.
