Japan is preparing formal negotiations to offer the upgraded version of its domestically developed Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate to New Zealand, with defense officials from both countries expected to discuss the proposal later this month.
According to Kyodo News, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to meet New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk during a multinational security forum in Singapore to explore the potential frigate export.
New Zealand is currently evaluating Japan’s Mogami-class design against the United Kingdom’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate as Wellington reviews options for its future naval modernization program.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles is expected to support Tokyo’s bid during the event ahead of New Zealand’s final procurement decision.
Marles will also reportedly hold discussions on expanding trilateral defense cooperation to strengthen interoperability among Australia, Japan, and New Zealand as regional partners respond to increasing Chinese maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific.
If held, the discussions would represent the first trilateral meeting involving the three nations’ defense ministers, according to sources.
The development follows Australia’s decision in April to procure 11 warships derived from Japan’s Mogami-class frigate design.
Japan’s FFM Frigate
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is acquiring 12 upgraded variants of the Mogami-class frigate, equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and mine-countermeasure capabilities traditionally assigned to dedicated minehunters.
Known as the FFM system, the enhanced platform will measure 142 meters (466 feet) in length with a 17-meter (56-foot) beam.
The frigate will feature a 32-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system, doubling the missile capacity of earlier Mogami vessels and improving strike capability with air defense missiles, anti-ship weapons, torpedoes, and naval guns.
Like the standard Mogami-class ships, the FFM will use combined diesel and gas propulsion and will accommodate up to 90 personnel along with a patrol helicopter.
Japan plans to commission the first two FFM frigates in 2028, while the full fleet is expected to be completed by 2032.
