The Australian Defence Force has recently narrowed down the list of shipyards participating in the SEA-3000 program for 11 new medium frigates.

From the initial five competitors, only two remain: Germany's TKMS and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

TKMS is presenting a customized version of their MEKO A-200 model, which has already been sold to South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt. This marks a return for TKMS, as their predecessor Blohm+Voss won the 1989 contract for Australia's multi-role frigate with the MEKO-200AZN design. This project resulted in the construction of 10 ANZAC-class vessels between 1992 and 2006 (including two for New Zealand), which are now set to be replaced by the SEA-3000 program. TKMS's current proposal features the second generation of the MEKO-200 model, significantly more advanced and further customized for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as the A-210 version, unveiled in 2023. Key features include the CEAFAR radar system, an extensive weapons suite, and redesigned superstructure and bow.

To Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this competition represents a significant milestone as they have never exported warships before. MHI is participating with an upgraded version of their MOGAMI-class frigate, known as the New-FFM or Upgrade MOGAMI. This customized version for Australia includes the Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbine (also used in the HUNTER-class/Type-26 heavy frigates currently under construction for the RAN), a modified sensor mast, and larger dimensions, with a displacement exceeding 6,200 tons.

The final selection is expected to take place after the summer 2025 political elections. The program aims to begin construction of the lead ship in 2026 and deliver the first vessel by 2030. However, Australian naval programs often face uncertainties. The SEA-3000 program itself partly resulted from the reduction of the expensive and complex HUNTER-class frigates from 9 to 6 units, as part of the Surface Fleet Review launched in early 2024.

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