In April 2026 Australia signed a deal with Japan for 11 new Mogami-class general-purpose frigates The first three ships will be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Japan, with the lead vessel due for delivery in late 2029. The remaining eight will be constructed in Western Australia. Valued at up to A$20 billion, these stealthy, multi-role ~4,800-ton frigates will replace the Anzac-class vessels and form the backbone of the RAN’s Tier 2 surface fleet. Their rapid acquisition shows the urgency of our capability gaps. It is Japan's largest arms deal and marks a historic deepening of Australia-Japan strategic ties.

This comes on top a series of other naval purchases:

* 3 Hobart-class guided-missile destroyers based on Spain’s Navantia F100 design with Aegis combat system.

* 6 Hunter-class anti-submarine warfare frigates based on the British Type 26 design, built by BAE Systems in Osborne, South Australia.

* Up to 8 Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (SEA 1180) for constabulary and patrol roles. Additional variants considered for mine countermeasures/hydrographic duties.

* 6 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats

* Of course there are the AUKUS subs

* 2 new Supply-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishers (HMAS Supply and Stalwart) They provide fleet replenishment (fuel, ammo, stores)

* Up to 'dozens' of Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XL-AUV) ie large submarine drones.

* an unknown number of Naval Strike Missiles both for these new vessels and for shore launch.

Overall, by the mid to late 2030s Australia will be cemented as the primary regional naval power able to project and protect our vital sealanes and at least give major adversaries (ie China) cause for pause by threatening their lines of communication through Malacca. That these new vessels are being purchases from Japan, following on from the purchase of the AUKUS subs from the USA and the Hunter class frigates from Britain, shows an increasing integration of western militaries as they face the Chinese threat.

This naval expansion will see Australia sitting as the regional naval hegemon for decades to come.

Great!