MHI expands business to support Australia Navy’s next-gen frigate program

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Australia (MHI-AUS), the Australian subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, (MHI), is expanding its business activities in Canberra to focus on providing support for the country’s next general-purpose frigate program.

As disclosed, the company aims to strengthen its business network with related agencies and companies.

Specifically, MHI-AUS will prioritize measures to respond to requests from the Australian government in a timely manner. This will include providing flexible sales support, gathering information, and conveying information related to MHI products and services.

The Japanese government is fully supportive of MHI’s involvement in this project, the company noted.

In addition, as defense equipment and technology cooperation between Japan and Australia is progressing,

MHI-AUS wants to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Australian defense industrial partners to contribute to strengthening Japan-Australia defense cooperation.

To remind, last year, Australia picked two shipbuilders, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), to progress designs for Australia’s future general-purpose frigates.

The government is investing up to $55 billion over the decade, including up to $10 billion for the general purpose frigates, as part of a plan that will more than double the size of the navy’s surface combatant fleet compared with the former government’s plan.

Australia’s new general-purpose frigates will replace the Anzac class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and local air defense in order to secure maritime trade routes and our northern approaches.