Defense officials from Australia and Japan have formalized contracts to move forward with a massive A$10 billion ($7 billion) naval vessel agreement, marking Tokyo’s largest military equipment sale since it lifted restrictions on weapons exports in 2014.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi put their signatures on a memorandum that confirms both nations’ dedication to successfully completing the warship project, according to Marles’ official statement.
The agreement, which was initially reached last August, represents Japan’s strategic shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance as it builds defense partnerships beyond its traditional U.S. alliance to address China’s growing influence.
Under the terms, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will deliver three enhanced Mogami-class multi-purpose frigates to Australia’s Royal Navy, with construction taking place in Japan beginning in 2029. An additional eight vessels will be manufactured on Australian soil.
Japan’s Defense Ministry announced on social media platform X that both ministers celebrated the contract signing and pledged to deepen their countries’ defense cooperation during the ceremony held in Melbourne.
The initial trio of frigates will be constructed in Japan before production shifts to Australia’s Henderson shipbuilding facility located near Perth in Western Australia, Marles explained.
These new vessels are engineered for multiple combat roles, including submarine tracking, surface vessel engagement, and aerial defense operations. Australia intends to use them for protecting vital shipping lanes and securing its northern waters in the Indian and Pacific regions, areas where China has been expanding its military presence.
