Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has announced that its MT30 marine gas turbine has been selected to power Australia’s new fleet of general-purpose frigates, reinforcing its long-standing partnership with the country’s defence forces. The engines will be deployed on the upgraded Mogami-class frigates, which have been chosen by Australia as the replacement platform for its existing naval fleet.
The programme is expected to include up to 11 ships, with the MT30 engines playing a central role in strengthening the Royal Australian Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly in undersea warfare and air defence. The Mogami-class frigates are already equipped with the MT30, and the decision ensures continuity in propulsion systems for the Australian fleet.
Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes for the UK and International Defence segment at Rolls-Royce, stated that the company’s association with Australia spans more than a century across air, land, and sea platforms. He noted that the selection of the MT30 for the new frigates reflects confidence in its performance and reliability, while also supporting closer collaboration between allied nations in enhancing regional security.
The MT30 is recognised as the world’s most power-dense marine gas turbine currently in service. It delivers high levels of efficiency, reliability, and sustained performance, offering naval designers greater flexibility in platform configuration. Its proven track record across multiple fleets globally has made it a preferred choice for advanced naval vessels.
The engine is already deployed across several leading naval platforms worldwide, including the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and Type 26 frigates, the United States Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Freedom-class variant and Zumwalt-class destroyers, as well as frigates operated by the Republic of Korea and Japan. In Australia, the MT30 also powers the Hunter-class frigates, further strengthening its footprint in the country’s naval programmes.
Australia’s new frigates will be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the first three vessels scheduled for construction in Japan. The lead ship is expected to be delivered in 2029 and become operational by 2030, marking a key milestone in the country’s naval modernisation efforts.
In addition to the MT30 turbines, the upgraded Mogami-class vessels will feature mtu Series 4000 diesel generator sets supplied by Rolls-Royce Power Systems. These systems will provide reliable onboard power for critical ship operations, supported through established partnerships in the region.
Rolls-Royce continues to maintain a strong presence in Australia, supporting a wide range of defence platforms across air and maritime domains. The company is also a key contributor to the AUKUS partnership, with its submarine division set to supply nuclear reactors for Australia’s future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
