(MENAFN) Australia revealed on Tuesday that it has chosen the advanced Japanese Mogami-class frigate to join the Royal Australian Navy as part of its AU$10 billion ($6.5 billion) naval acquisition program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed the project will now advance to its next phase with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The goal is to finalize binding commercial agreements with both the company and the Japanese government by 2026.

"Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defense Force (ADF)," he said in a statement.

Under the plan, three vessels will be constructed in Japan, with the initial ship scheduled for delivery in 2029 and operational status by 2030. The remaining eight ships will be produced domestically in Australia.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba praised Canberra’s decision, highlighting that Australia has chosen the upgraded Mogami-class frigate as the Royal Australian Navy’s preferred choice for its next generation of general-purpose frigates.

"We welcome the Australian Government’s decision. Going forward, we will work together—across both government and industry—to move toward the conclusion of the contract," he said on X.

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