Japan Times Reports Indonesian Interest in Mogami-Class Frigates

Indonesia is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of advanced Mogami-class frigates from Japan, a move that could bolster its naval capabilities. The Japan Times has reported Jakarta's interest in the upgraded New FFM variant of these vessels, which are produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

However, the procurement process is expected to be sequential. A final decision on the Mogami-class frigates is likely to be made only after Indonesia finalizes its agreement to purchase Asagiri-class destroyers from Japan. This suggests a strategic approach to modernizing the Indonesian fleet.

Japan has already committed to supplying three of the upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia, as part of a plan to replace the Royal Australian Navy's aging Anzac-class warships. The potential Indonesian acquisition has been discussed in trilateral defense talks involving the defense ministers of Japan, Indonesia, and Australia.

These discussions, which included Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Indonesian Defense Minister, and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, aimed to promote bilateral and trilateral defense cooperation. The Ministry of Defense in Tokyo confirmed the agreement to enhance such partnerships. This development follows recent diplomatic engagements, including a meeting between the Indonesian Defense Minister and China's Admiral Dong Jun, and joint naval exercises between China and Indonesia.