# Australian general purpose frigate program > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Australian_general_purpose_frigate_program > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Australian_general_purpose_frigate_program.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_general_purpose_frigate_program > Source revision: 1350494744 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Program to produce eleven frigates for the Royal Australian Navy}} {{Use Australian English|date=April 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = 新型護衛艦_(06FFM).jpg | image_caption = CGI rendering of the [New FFM](/source/New_FFM) by [Mitsubishi Heavy Industries](/source/Mitsubishi_Heavy_Industries) }} |section2={{Infobox ship/class overview | builders = *[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries](/source/Mitsubishi_Heavy_Industries) (3) *[Australian Marine Complex](/source/Australian_Marine_Complex) (8) | operators = {{Navy|AUS}} (planned) | class_before = {{sclass|Anzac|frigate|1}} | class_after = | built_range = From 2026 (planned) | in_commission_range = From 2030 (planned) | total_ships_planned = 11 | total_ships_completed = 0 | total_ships_canceled = }} |section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | type = [Frigate](/source/Frigate) | displacement = * {{convert|4880|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}} (standard) * {{convert|6200|t|LT|abbr=on}} (full load) | length = Approx. {{convert|142|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = Approx. {{convert|17|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | draught = | propulsion = *[CODAG](/source/CODAG) setup: *1 x [Rolls-Royce MT30](/source/Rolls-Royce_MT30) [gas turbine engine](/source/gas_turbine_engine) *2 x [diesel engine](/source/diesel_engine)s *Two shafts and screw propellers | speed = Over {{convert|30|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}} | range = {{convert|10,000|nmi|abbr=on|lk=in}} at economic speed | complement = 90 (with accommodation for up to 138) | sensors = *OPY-2 (X-band multi-purpose [AESA](/source/Active_electronically_scanned_array) radar) *OYQ-1 (Combat management system) *OYX-1-29 (Console display system) *[Advanced Tactical Data Links](/source/Tactical_data_link) *[Towed array sonar](/source/Towed_array_sonar) | EW = NOLQ-3E ([Passive radar](/source/Passive_radar) system + Electronic attack capability is integrated into the main radar antenna) | armament = *'''Missiles:''' *32-cell [Mk41 VLS](/source/Mark_41_Vertical_Launch_System) firing: **up to 128 [RIM-162 ESSM](/source/RIM-162_ESSM) ** other sea-to-air and sea-to-surface missiles *2 x 4-canister [Naval Strike Missile](/source/Naval_Strike_Missile) launchers *1 x 11-cell [SeaRAM](/source/SeaRAM) close-in-weapons system *'''Torpedoes:''' *2 x 3-tube [Mark 32 torpedo launchers](/source/Mark_32_surface_vessel_torpedo_tubes) for [Mk54](/source/Mark_54_lightweight_torpedo) LWTs *'''Guns:''' *1 × [5"/62 caliber Mark 45 mod 4](/source/5-inch%2F54-caliber_Mark_45_gun) main gun (127 mm) | aircraft = 1 x [MH-60 Romeo Seahawk](/source/Sikorsky_SH-60_Seahawk), [VTOL](/source/VTOL) [UAV](/source/UAV)s | aircraft_facilities = * Helicopter flight deck * Enclosed hangar | notes = Can launch [USV](/source/Unmanned_surface_vehicle)s and [MCM](/source/mine_countermeasures) [UUV](/source/Unmanned_underwater_vehicle)s }} }} In February 2024, the Australian Government announced a program to acquire 11 general purpose [frigate](/source/frigate)s for the [Royal Australian Navy](/source/Royal_Australian_Navy) (RAN). These warships arose from the [Surface Fleet Review](/source/Surface_Fleet_Review), and along with the significantly larger {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|1}}s, will replace the {{sclass|Anzac|frigate|1}}s. The program is referred to as Project SEA 3000. The new general purpose frigates are intended to be 'Tier 2 surface combatant' vessels that are less expensive and capable than the {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|1}}s and {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer|1}}s. They will be used to escort other vessels, provide air defence and conduct attacks against surface targets. Four suitable designs were identified by an independent panel, with the government selecting a winning design in August 2025: the Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' [New FFM](/source/New_FFM). Contracts will be confirmed and construction of the ships will commence in 2026. The first three of the frigates will be built in Japan, with the first ship completed by 2029. The remaining eight ships will be built in Australia at the [Australian Marine Complex](/source/Australian_Marine_Complex) in [Henderson, WA](/source/Henderson%2C_Western_Australia) from 2030. ==Planning== The 2023 Australian Defence Strategic Review raised concerns over the plans to acquire nine {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|1}}s for the [Royal Australian Navy](/source/Royal_Australian_Navy). The review also noted that other navies were tending to build larger numbers of smaller warships. In response, the Australian Government commissioned an independent review of the structure of the RAN's future surface fleet.{{cite news |last1=Tillett |first1=Andrew |title=Navy needs more ships faster to meet regional geopolitical challenges: review |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/navy-needs-more-ships-faster-to-meet-china-threat-review-20240218-p5f5s1 |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Australian Financial Review |date=18 February 2024}} The review panel was led by the retired [United States Navy](/source/United_States_Navy) Vice Admiral [William Hilarides](/source/William_Hilarides) and also included the retired Australian public servant [Rosemary Huxtable](/source/Rosemary_Huxtable) and the retired Australian Vice Admiral [Stuart Mayer](/source/Stuart_Mayer).{{cite web |title=Enhanced lethality: Surface Combatant Fleet |url=https://apo.org.au/node/325669 |website=APO |access-date=21 April 2024 |date=21 February 2024}} thumb|left|''Anzac''-class frigate {{HMAS|Warramunga|FFH 152|6}} in 2021 The ''[Surface Fleet Review](/source/Australian_Surface_Fleet_Review)'' and the government's response to it were released on 20 February 2024.{{cite news |last1=Tillett |first1=Andrew |title=Europe v Asia in race for Australia's new warships |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/europe-v-asia-in-race-for-australia-s-new-warships-20240221-p5f6lf |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Australian Financial Review |date=21 February 2024}} Among a range of other recommendations, the panel called for the acquisition of "at least seven, and optimally 11, 'Tier 2' ships, optimised for undersea warfare, to operate both independently and in conjunction with the 'Tier 1' ships to secure maritime trade routes, northern approaches and escort military assets". They noted that the ships should be capable of operating a helicopter, be able to provide air defence "through a limited number of point and self-defence systems" and have the ability to attack targets on the land. Due to the deteriorating material condition of the ''Anzac''-class frigates, the panel also recommended that the new ships be rapidly acquired.{{sfn|Hilarides|Huxtable|Mayer|2024|p=9}} The Australian Government accepted these recommendations, and announced as part of its response that eleven general purpose frigates would be built in order to "address the risk presented by an ageing and increasingly fragile surface combatant fleet".{{sfn|Marles|2024|p=16}} The government also agreed to reduce the number of ''Hunter''-class frigates to be acquired from nine to six and to build six large optionally crewed surface vessels which will support the crewed warships. This will result in a fleet made up of nine 'Tier 1' warships (six ''Hunter''-class frigates and three {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer}}s), with the general purpose frigates being among the navy's less capable 'Tier 2' warships.{{cite news |last1=Blenkin |first1=Max |title=Plans revealed for Australia's future surface fleet|url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/plans-revealed-for-australia-s-future-surface-fleet |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=20 February 2024 |language=en}} In order to bring the general purpose frigates into service as quickly as possible, the government intended for the first three ships in the class to be built by the selected winning bidder in their own shipyards, with the remainder being constructed at the [Australian Marine Complex](/source/Australian_Marine_Complex) in Western Australia. In April 2024, the government committed between A$7 billion and A$10 billion between the 2024–25 and 2033–34 financial years for the first three of the general purpose frigates.{{cite book |title=2024 Integrated Investment Program |date=2024 |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra |isbn=978-1-925890-89-1 |page=36 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/about/strategic-planning/2024-national-defence-strategy-2024-integrated-investment-program}} ==Design== ===Proposed designs=== The independent review identified four designs as "combatant exemplars" and recommended that they "should form the basis of a deliberate selection process". The government agreed to this.{{sfn|Marles|2024|p=16}} All four of these designs were under construction at the time for foreign navies. The designs were:{{cite news |last1=Dougherty |first1=Robert |title=Australia commits to modern and lethal general purpose frigates |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/13646-australia-commits-to-modern-and-lethal-general-purpose-frigates |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Defence Connect |date=20 February 2024 |language=en}} * Spanish [ALFA3000](/source/Avante_2200) * South Korean [''Daegu'' class FFX Batch II](/source/Daegu-class_frigate) or [Batch III](/source/Chungnam-class_frigate) * German [MEKO A-200](/source/MEKO_200) * Japanese [New FFM (Upgraded Mogami)](/source/New_FFM) Based on these designs, it was evident that the general purpose frigates will have a displacement of between 3,000 and 5,000 tonnes. Similar to the ''Anzac'' class, which have a displacement of 3,600 tonnes, and much smaller than the ''Hunter'' class which will displace 10,000 tonnes. The frigates were to have at least 16 [vertically launched missile](/source/Vertical_launching_system) cells, twice as many as the ''Anzac'' class. File:PC-21 Guaiqueri 14 de Mayo 2011 Foto Capitán Ted.jpg|The Venezuelan patrol boat ''Guaiquerí'', a variant of the [ALFA3000](/source/Avante_2000) design File:Al-Aziz 904 W Kiel 24-07-2022.jpg|{{ship|ENS|Al-Aziz}}, a [MEKO A-200](/source/MEKO_200) frigate File:JS Kumano（FFM-2）entering Kinuura Port.jpg|{{JS|Kumano}}, a [Mogami 30FFM](/source/Mogami-class_frigate) frigate ===Selection=== thumb|A model of the New FFM design on display at the Australian Parliament in December 2024 On 24 May 2024, the Department of Defence sent five shipbuilders an 'approach to market' asking them to provide information on their proposed designs and how the frigates would be built for the RAN. The companies were asked to provide this information within three weeks.{{cite news |last1=Dougherty |first1=Robert |title=Quick-turnaround: Shipbuilders ready opening pitch for General Purpose Frigates |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/14138-quick-turnaround-shipbuilders-ready-opening-pitch-for-general-purpose-frigates |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=Defence Connect|date=28 May 2024 |language=en}} This covered the first three ships in the intended class only. The government intends to conduct a separate process to ask the companies for plans to build the remaining ships in Australia. The companies that were approached were Hanwha Ocean, Hyundai, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Navantia and TKMS.{{cite news |last1=Tillett |first1=Andrew |title=Questions surface over fast-tracked $10b warships |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/questions-surface-over-fast-tracked-10b-warships-20240526-p5jgom |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=Australian Financial Review |date=26 May 2024 |language=en}} As part of the approach to market, it was specified that the designs that are submitted must be based closely on ships that are currently in service with foreign navies. The only changes that the Department of Defence will accept are to replace obsolete equipment or meet Australian safety standards.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} The project office was required to seek agreement from the [National Security Committee](/source/National_Security_Committee_(Australia)) for all changes that deviate from foreign designs. The [Chief of Navy](/source/Chief_of_Navy_(Australia)) has not been asked by the government to propose modifications but has responsibility for ensuring that the final design meets the necessary safety standards.{{cite news |last1=Felton |first1=Ben |title=Project Sea 3000: What we know - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/project-sea-3000-what-we-know |access-date=8 July 2024 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=8 July 2024 |language=en}} As a result, the ships will not be fitted with radars produced by the Australian company [CEA Technologies](/source/CEA_Technologies), despite the Australian government being the majority owner of the firm. After the proposals are received in mid-2024, the project office evaluated each proposals viability. Those that were judged to be viable were further evaluated and the final design was intended to be selected in late 2024.https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20240902-208784/ This stage of the project and subsequent stages were intended to be run as a standard RAN acquisition program. On 7 November 2024, it was reported that bids from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Germany's TKMS were selected ahead of bids from South Korea's [HHI](/source/HD_Hyundai_Heavy_Industries) and [Hanwha Ocean](/source/Hanwha_Ocean), and Spain's [Navantia](/source/Navantia).{{cite web |last1=Greene |first1=Andrew |title=Japan and Germany shortlisted for Australia's next multi-billion-dollar warship program|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/japan-and-germany-shortlisted-for-australia-warship-program/104575738|website=ABC News |publisher=ABC News|access-date=7 November 2024 |language=en-AU |date=7 November 2024}} Three designs were reportedly selected with TKMS offering two MEKO A200 designs, one based on an unmodified Egyptian Navy's ''Al Aziz''-class frigates and an "Australianised" variant featuring Saab Australia's 9LV combat system and with MHI offering the [New FFM](/source/New_FFM). The final decision was expected to be made by the end of 2025 with the contract to be signed in early 2026 to begin construction of the first three frigates.{{Cite news |date=23 May 2025 |title=German company bids for $10 billion Australian warship contract |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-23/german-company-bids-for-australian-warship-contract/105330286 |access-date=29 May 2025 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} On 5 August 2025, Defence Minister [Richard Marles](/source/Richard_Marles) revealed that the [New FFM](/source/New_FFM) had officially been chosen for the program.{{Cite web |last=NavyLookout |date=4 August 2025 |title=Australia set to buy Japanese Mogami-class frigates - Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/australia-set-to-buy-japanese-magami-class-frigates/ |access-date=5 August 2025 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=5 August 2025 |title=Mogami-class frigate selected for the Navy's new general purpose frigates |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-08-05/mogami-class-frigate-selected-navys-new-general-purpose-frigates |access-date=5 August 2025 |website=.minister.defence.gov.au}} Rear Admiral Hughes, Head of Naval Capability RAN, commented at Indo Pacific 2025 that the Australia Mogami frigates would be equipped with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile instead of the type 17 anti-ship missile. It would also be equipped with the Mk 54 lightweight torpedo, SeaRAM, and deploy ESSM in the Mk 41 VLS.{{Cite web |date=2025-11-15 |title=Upgraded Mogami At Indo Pacific – (Non) Zero Change, Shipbuilder Makes Move |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/indo-pacific-2025/2025/11/upgraded-mogami-at-indo-pacific-non-zero-change-shipbuilder-makes-move/ |access-date=2025-11-30 |last1=Luck |first1=Alex |website=Naval News |language=en}} It was also confirmed that the Australian New FFM would utilise the NOLQ-3E UNICORN [electronic warfare](/source/electronic_warfare) mast and the OPY-2 X-band [phased array radar](/source/Phased_array), as used on JMSDF vessels.{{Cite web |date=2025-11-04 |title=Indo Pacific 2025: Japan builds Australia's Mogami frigates for Naval Strike Missile |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/sea/indo-pacific-2025-japan-builds-australias-mogami-frigates-for-naval-strike-missile |access-date=2025-11-04 |website=Default |language=en}} The Australian and Japanese governments signed a contract for the construction of the first three ships on 18 April 2026. The ceremony for this event took place on board a ''Mogami''-class frigate that was visiting Melbourne.{{cite news |last1=Dziedzic |first1=Stephen |title=Japan, Australia sign deal for production of first three frigates |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-18/japan-warship-deal-australia-with-mogami-frigate-richard-marles/106579734 |access-date=18 April 2026 |work=ABC News |date=18 April 2026 |language=en-AU}} On 21 April 2026, the MT30 will be supplied by Rolls Royce to power the ships.https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/21-04-2026-mt30-to-power-australias-new-upgraded-mogami-class-frigates-en.aspx ==Commentary== ''[Australian Financial Review](/source/Australian_Financial_Review)'' journalist Andrew Tillet wrote that the ALFA3000 and Mogami 30FFM designs best meet the government's requirements. He argued that this is because the two shipbuilders ([Navantia](/source/Navantia) and [Mitsubishi](/source/Mitsubishi) respectively) have experience integrating the American [Aegis Combat System](/source/Aegis_Combat_System) and American missiles. Writing in the ''Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter'', journalist Kym Bergmann argued that the panel had made a mistake by recommending both the ''Daegu'' class FFX Batch II and Batch III, as the two designs are quite different, and that the government was also mistaken in not identifying this error at the time it developed its response to the review. He argued that the Batch III is the only one of the two designs that meets the panel's specifications.{{cite news |last1=Bergmann |first1=Kym |title=Australian government bungles future frigate choices |url=https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/government-bungles-future-frigate-choices/ |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter |date=9 April 2024 |language=en-AU}} [Australian Strategic Policy Institute](/source/Australian_Strategic_Policy_Institute) analyst Euan Graham suggested in February 2024 that New Zealand might join the frigate program in order to replace the [Royal New Zealand Navy](/source/Royal_New_Zealand_Navy)'s pair of ''Anzac''-class frigates.{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Euan |title=Australia's 'tier-2' naval expansion opens the door for the Anzac frigate redux |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-tier-2-naval-expansion-opens-the-door-for-the-anzac-frigate-redux/ |website=The Strategist |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |access-date=21 April 2024 |language=en-AU |date=22 February 2024}} Following the approach to market, Michael Shoebridge from the defence consulting firm Strategic Analysis Australia raised concerns about the project's management. He believes that rushing the selection of the ships could cause problems later in the project and that the reluctance to accept design changes might mean that the frigates do not meet the RAN's safety standards.https://strategicanalysis.org/general-purpose-frigates-avoiding-failure-by-fixing-a-troubled-start/ == Ships == The initial three ships are set to be constructed in Japan using the original design. The remaining eight ships will be built at a shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. {| class="wikitable" width=90% style="text-align: left" |- style="background:#efefef;" !Name !Pennant !Builder !Ordered !Laid down !Launched !Commissioned !Status !Namesake |- ! colspan="9" |Japanese construction |- |TBD | | rowspan="3" |[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries](/source/Mitsubishi_Heavy_Industries),
[Japan](/source/Japan) |''2026'' |''2026'' |''2029'' |''2030'' | | |- |TBD | |''2026'' | | | | | |- |TBD | |''2026'' | |''2034'' |''2035'' | | |- ! colspan="9" |Australian construction |- |TBD | | rowspan="8" |[Australian Marine Complex](/source/Australian_Marine_Complex),
[Henderson](/source/Henderson%2C_Western_Australia) |''2026'' | | | | | |- |TBD | |''2026'' | | | | | |- |TBD | |''2026'' | | | | | |- |TBD | | | | | | | | |- |TBD | | | | | | | |- |TBD | | | | | | | |- |TBD | | | | | | | |- |TBD | | | | |''Before 2040'' | | |- | colspan="9" |''*Italics indicate planned date'' |} ==See also== * [Future of the Royal Australian Navy](/source/Future_of_the_Royal_Australian_Navy) * [Australian light destroyer project](/source/Australian_light_destroyer_project) * [Australian large optionally-crewed surface vessel program](/source/Australian_large_optionally-crewed_surface_vessel_program) ==References== === Notes === {{Notelist}} ===Citations=== {{reflist}} ===Works consulted=== * {{cite book |last1=Hilarides |first1=William |last2=Huxtable |first2=Rosemary |last3=Mayer |first3=Stuart |title=Enhanced Lethality: Surface Combatant Fleet. Report of the Independent analysis of Navy's Surface Combatant Feet |date=2024 |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra |isbn=978-1-925890-81-5 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/Enhanced_Lethality_Surface_Combatant_Fleet_web.pdf}} * {{cite book |last1=Marles|first1=Richard|title=The Albanese Government's Response to the Independent Analysis Recommendations|date=2024 |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra |isbn=978-1-925890-81-5 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/Enhanced_Lethality_Surface_Combatant_Fleet_web.pdf}} Category:Frigates of the Royal Australian Navy Category:Frigate classes Category:CODAG ships Category:Proposed frigates --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Australian general purpose frigate program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_general_purpose_frigate_program) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_general_purpose_frigate_program?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.