Australia narrows SEA 3000 frigate designs to TKMS and MHI
The MEKO A-200, one of the two options to become the replacement for Australia’s Anzac-class frigate. (Picture: Wolfgang Fricke/Wikimedia Commons).
Two modular frigate designs will be considered as the replacement to Australia’s ageing Anzac-class.
The procurement process for Australia’s new general purpose frigates has narrowed from five contender companies to just two – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) from Japan and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) from Germany.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has long been looking for a new design to replace its ageing Anzac-class vessels with modern frigates that could be on station by 2029. Construction on the frigates has been scheduled to begin in 2026. The Navy has been looking for a minimum of seven, and an optimum of 11 frigates, with designs that are at least the size of the existing Anzac-class vessels, and potentially anything
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
-
![Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached]()
Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.
