A key US ally in the Indo-Pacific is upgrading its naval force with the addition of 11 frigates.

The Australian Navy recently announced its intent to purchase 11 copies of the Mogami-class frigate from Japan as its new general-purpose frigates.

“Today, we are taking another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal Navy, with stealth frigates that will reassure our allies and deter our adversaries,” Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy stated in a press release.

Smaller than cruisers and destroyers, frigates can still play an important part in large-scale fighting either directly or indirectly. Frigates usually carry a combination of air defense, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare weapon systems and sensors.

“The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

According to the Australian Ministry of Defence,

© The National Interest