Australia and Japan have officially signed contracts to move forward with a $7 billion (A$10 billion) warship deal, marking one of the most significant defense agreements between the two nations in recent history. The agreement represents Japan’s largest military export since it lifted its long-standing ban on defense equipment exports in 2014.
The deal was formalized by Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Both leaders emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the advanced warships and strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
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Under the agreement, Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply the Royal Australian Navy with three upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates, which will be built in Japan and delivered starting from 2029. In addition, eight more frigates will be constructed in Australia, marking a transition toward local shipbuilding and boosting domestic industry.
These modern warships are designed for multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare, surface combat operations, and air defense. Australia plans to deploy them to protect key maritime trade routes and strengthen security across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in response to growing regional tensions and expanding military presence by China.
The agreement also reflects Japan’s evolving defense policy, as it continues to move beyond its post-war pacifist stance and build stronger security partnerships outside its traditional alliance with the United States. For Australia, the deal is a major step toward modernizing its naval fleet and enhancing its strategic capabilities.
Overall, this landmark agreement not only boosts military strength but also deepens strategic ties between Australia and Japan, reinforcing their role in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
