Rolls-Royce engines to power Australia’s new upgraded Mogami-class frigates

April 28, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Rolls-Royce MT30 marine gas turbine has been selected to power Australia’s new naval fleet of general-purpose frigates.

Australia confirmed last year that it had selected Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigates as the replacement for its general-purpose naval fleet.

The vessels are powered by Rolls-Royce MT30 marine gas turbines, and the Australian Navy has decided to retain this propulsion system for its own fleet.

Up to eleven ships will be equipped with MT30 engines, supporting enhanced undersea warfare and air defense capabilities.

“For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce has been an integral partner delivering power and propulsion to Australia for air, land, and sea. We are delighted to continue this long-standing partnership by powering their new general-purpose frigates with our MT30 engine,” Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, from Rolls-Royce Defence, said.

Australia’s new general-purpose frigates will be exported from Japan and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The program will see the first three frigates built in Japan, with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.

Australia signs contract for three upgraded Mogami-class frigates

Vessels

In addition to the MT30 marine gas turbine, the upgraded Mogami-class frigates are equipped with mtu Series 4000‑based diesel generator sets from Rolls‑Royce Power Systems.

The generator sets are supplied through Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ established licensed partner, Daihatsu InfinEarth.

The MT30 engine is in service with several navies around the globe and already powers Global Combat Ship variants, including Australia’s Hunter-class frigate. Rolls-Royce also plays a significant role in the AUKUS trilateral agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, with Rolls-Royce Submarines set to provide reactors for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.