OKI has signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. to supply OQQ-25 towed sonars and related equipment to be installed on the Commonwealth of Australia’s (hereinafter referred to as Australia) next-generation multi-purpose frigates. This contract covers the first three of the 11 next-generation multi-purpose frigates that the Australian government plans to introduce.
OKI press release
The Australian government selected the “FY2024-class destroyer,” an improved version of Japan’s “Mogami” class destroyer, for its next-generation multi-purpose frigate program in August 2025. OKI’s towed passive sonar and related equipment have been adopted for this vessel, and this supply contract for Australia was concluded as a result of the evaluation of OKI’s track record of installations on the “Mogami” class destroyers. This contract marks OKI’s first overseas equipment transfer project.
For over 90 years, OKI has been engaged in the development of underwater acoustic technology, designing and manufacturing underwater acoustic sensors and other equipment, primarily for the defense sector. OKI also provides comprehensive support for sonar systems for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, from design to maintenance. Leveraging this technology and experience, OKI will supply towed passive sonar and related equipment to Australia under a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
In its “Management Plan 2031,” OKI has set forth its focus on and strengthening of the defense and maritime sectors, which are areas of the government’s growth strategy. In order to meet the growing demand for defense, in addition to increasing production capacity and strengthening the overhaul system, OKI will contribute to realizing “maritime safety” both domestically and internationally through this project, and will continue to contribute to the realization of a safe and secure society.
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Naval News comments:
The government of Australia in April 2026 announced contracts with the Japanese government and shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the purchase of three “Upgraded Mogami” (06FFM) general purpose frigates. The event was a first step in an overall effort under SEA 3000 to produce up to 11 new general purpose frigates. RAN expects to take delivery of the first frigate in 2029.
Australia’s Hunter-class frigates, which will specialize in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), will be fitted with Thales’ CAPTAS-4 sonar systems. Selecting OQQ-25 for the Australian Mogamis makes sense as the system is already integrated on the Japanese frigate. It remains to be seen how the 06FFM will be integrated within the wider RAN ecosystem (P-8A, CAPTAS-4 etc…) and if it will be able to achieve multi-static ASW despite likely differences in sonar frequencies.
You can watch our coverage about Upgraded Mogami class at Indo Pacific 2025 exhibition in Australia.
