## Australia Picks Japanese Frigates
The Royal Australian Navy selected the Japanese Mogami-class frigate as its next-generation surface combatant this year in a historic deal, marking Tokyo’s largest arms export to date.
Meant to replace Japan’s Cold War-era fleet of destroyer escorts and minesweepers, the Mogami-class is designed to provide escort, minesweeping and minelaying capabilities at scale. In recent years, Tokyo has advertised the design at various industry conferences across the Indo-Pacific.
Under the Royal Australian Navy, the frigate is expected to handle less intensive “Tier 2” roles compared to the fleet’s Hobart-class Aegis destroyers and the larger Hunter-class frigates. The 2024 Surface Fleet Review recommended the purchase of 11 vessels to secure maritime routes and provide limited air defense.
RAN Mogami-class frigates are expected to displace up to 6,200 tons and be equipped with 32 Mark 42 vertical launching system cells, eight naval Strike Missiles and a SeaRAM close-in weapons system. For australia, the decision to go with a Japanese derivative comes as the ANZAC-class frigates begin retirement. The first vessel of the eight-ship class was retired earlier this year.
## Indonesia launches Largest Southeast Asian Surface Combatant
Indonesia commissioned its first of three domestically-built Makassar-class landing platform docks (LPD) this year, making it the largest surface combatant in Southeast Asia.Built by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL in Surabaya, the 167-meter LPDs displace approximately 16,000 tons and can carry a crew of 129, along with 540 troops, two helicopters and a well deck for landing craft.
The Makassar-class LPDs are intended to bolster indonesia’s maritime security capabilities and project power across its vast archipelago. The Indonesian Navy plans to use the ships
CNS Fujian
After a year of sea trials and naval aviation tests,the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned its first super carrier on November 5th.
Equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, the 80,000-ton CNS Fujian (18) can support catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery operations.This launch and recovery method means Chinese naval aviation can now operate with increased payloads and new aircraft, including the fifth-generation J-35 fighter and fixed-wing KJ-600 airborne early warning and command aircraft.
Along with other elements of Beijing’s naval modernization, like the Type 055 and 052D destroyers and a growing fleet of Type 901 replenishment ships, the PLAN is set to deploy its most capable carrier strike group yet.
Sichuan
One week after Fujian’s commissioning, Beijing deployed the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan (51) for its first sea trials off Shanghai.
Compared to the earlier type 075-class of landing helicopter docks, the Type 076 has an electromagnetic catapult and a second tower that hosts expanded aviation command and control facilities. These new features will allow the ship to field fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles to support Chinese naval and amphibious operations. Chinese state media has highlighted the advancement of various large drones similar to american collaborative combat aircraft and strike drones in recent years.
JS Kaga
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