Mitsubishi Heavy, Thyssenkrupp Marine down-selected for general purpose frigates

In an important milestone for the general purpose frigate program, two shipbuilders have been down-selected to progress their designs. Australia will work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to further develop their proposals for the Mogami and MEKO-A200 frigates. The first three general purpose frigates will be built offshore and, successful and timely consolidation of the Henderson precinct will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally at Henderson. The construction of general purpose frigates at the Henderson Defence Precinct is part of the government’s plan to invest tens of billions of dollars in defence capabilities in Western Australia over the next two decades, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs. Defence will engage closely with the down-selected shipbuilders to progress this program and ensure Australia’s first general purpose frigate is delivered this decade. This announcement includes three designs from the two shipbuilders – one from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and two from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. For commercial reasons given this procurement is ongoing, it is not appropriate to provide further details on these proposals. This process was a highly competitive tender and the decision to progress the Mogami and MEKO-A200 designs was informed by rigorous evaluation by Defence that identified these designs as likely to best meet Australia’s capability requirements. The deputy prime minister was pleased to confirm the down-selection of Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries during the recent meeting with his counterpart, Minister Nakatani, in Darwin. The government is investing up to $55 billion over the decade, including up to $10 billion for the general purpose frigates. Defence will engage closely with the down-selected shipbuilders to progress this program and ensure Australia’s first general purpose frigate is delivered this decade. These frigates are part of a plan that will more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet compared with the former government’s plan. – see ‘warship comparison graphic’ Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring our Navy is equipped with a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet, and the general purpose frigate program is a key aspect of this. Navy’s future fleet will constitute the largest number of surface combatants since World War Two, and will be integral to ensuring the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and maritime trade. We extend our gratitude to Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Spain for their efforts in support of this activity. We view their commitment to this process as a reflection of the strong relationships between our nations. We acknowledge the extraordinary achievement of each of these companies in manufacturing platforms recognised by the Independent Analysis Team as the best of their kind.” Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said: “This program is moving at pace to ensure the Navy is equipped with the ships it needs to keep Australians safe. The rapid, accelerated work of the general purpose frigate program to date underpins the next stages of the acquisition to ensure this capability is delivered this decade, providing our Navy with enhanced anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]