Australia awards navy frigate contract to Mitsubishi Heavy

The upgraded Mogami-class frigate was capable of launching long-range missiles, and had a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, compared to Australia's current Anzac-class frigates, which had a range of around 6,000 nautical miles, Marles said. It also operated with a smaller crew than the Anzac class.

The government said in 2024 it would spend up to AU$10 billion for the general-purpose frigates to replace the Anzac class. They will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence to secure maritime trade routes and Australia's northern approaches.