Mogami Momentum: Why Japan’s Warship Is Winning over New Zealand

Mogami momentum: why Japan’s warship is winning over New Zealand

Japan’s Mogami and Britain’s Type 31 are the top two contenders, but Australia may have already tipped the scales.

Mitsubishi to build 3 frigates for Australia in Japan

Mitsubishi is to build three Mogami-class frigates for Australia in Japan with another eight ships to be built in Australia under a recent deal. And New Zealand is talking to Australia about the ships as it eyes buying its own frigate (see below) to replace its combat fleet. The first frigate is due to be delivered to Australia in 2029, the Department of Defence says; all three should be operational by 2034. The eight other ships will be built i…

New Zealand Eyes Japan’s Mogami-class Frigate to Replace Ageing ANZAC Frigates.

New Zealand has identified Japan’s Mogami-class frigate and Britain’s Type 31 as the two candidates under consideration for its naval frigate replacement program, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced on May 7, 2026, putting Tokyo’s warship [...]