The Royal Australian Navy’s new upgraded Mogami frigates purchased under its Sea3000 programme will feature Raytheon’s SeaRAM air defence system.
Under the Sea3000 programme the RAN will acquire 11 of the next-generation frigates, which are built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). They will replace the Anzac-class frigates as they are decommissioned.
As per a press statement from Raytheon’s parent company RTX, the newly-signed deal will see SeaRAM systems fitted to the first three Upgraded Mogami frigates, which are being built in Japan.
The SeaRAM system combines the Phalanx Close In Weapon System (CIWS) with the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) to provide autonomous defence against supersonic and subsonic threats, including anti-ship cruise missiles, drones, helicopters, and fast-approaching aircraft.
It provides terminal-phase defence by detecting, tracking, and engaging targets using a combination of the Phalanx sensor systems and 11 RAM launchers.
President of Naval Power at Raytheon Barbara Borganovi commented: “SeaRAM extends the defensive reach of a ship beyond traditional close-in weapon system ranges.
“By integrating SeaRAM on the Royal Australian Navy’s new surface combatants, Australia gains a proven, highly effective terminal air and missile defence layer for its future fleet.”
Australia’s Albanese Government announced the selection of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries vessel as its preferred platform for general purpose frigates in August 2025.
The upgraded Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate is 142 metres long and has a standard displacement of 4,880 metric tons. It boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and features a 32-cell Vertical Launch System each with four missiles, double the capacity of the earlier Mogami-class vessels.
The aim is to see the first-in-class Mogami frigate delivered to Australia in 2029 and in active service during 2030. The remaining eight warships are set to be built in the Henderson precinct in Western Australia.
- You can read more details about the SeaRAM deal on the Raytheon website