The Anzac and Mogami class frigates Compared

Following the 5 August 2025 announcement that Australia would acquire up to eleven Upgraded Mogami class frigates to the replace the Anzac class ships, this article compares their capabilities.

In assessing the ships, not all specification of the RAN Upgraded Mogamis have been publically released. However, it is understood that the first three ships to be built in Japan, and possibly the first three built in Australia, will have minimal changes from the ships in Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) service.

Of note the JMSDF ships are fitted with the following weapon systems not in RAN service:

• The Type 7 vertical launch Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) rocket. This is fired from Mk.41 vertical launch system (VLS) and has a range of about 32,800 yards/16.2 nm.
• The Type 12 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) lightweight torpedoes have been in service since 2012 and is optimised for coastal waters. It is fitted to the Type 7 ASW rocket.
• Type 17 surface-to-surface missile (SSM). This has a range of 215nm range with a Ka band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for homing.
• SeaRAM short range anti-missile system. The 11-cell RAM missile launchers are on a modified Phalanx Mk.15 mounting.
• The Mk-41 VLS in the Mogami is longer Strike length able to accommodate Tomahawk, SM-2 and SM-6 missiles.
• The 5-inch Mk.45 Mod.4 gun in the Mogamis has a longer barrel compared to the Anzac Mod.2 gun. The Mod.4 has an effective range of 40,500 yards compared to 26,300 yards for the Mod.2 gun.

The Mogami sensor suite and combat management system (CMS) are also of Japanese design and will be new to the RAN.