Australia, Japan Sign $7 Billion Warship Deal To Build 11 Multi-Role Frigates

Australia and Japan have signed contracts to begin a A$10 billion ($7 billion) warship programme, marking one of Japan’s most important military exports since it lifted its ban on defence exports in 2014.

The agreement covers 11 general-purpose frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. The first three ships will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, while the remaining eight will be constructed in Australia at a later stage.

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signed the agreement in Melbourne. Both sides confirmed their commitment to delivering the warships and strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

The first three frigates will be built in Nagasaki Prefecture in southern Japan. These vessels are based on the Mogami-class design and are scheduled to be delivered from 2029, with the first ship expected to enter service in 2030.

After that, construction will move to Australia, with shipbuilding set to take place at the Henderson shipyard near Perth in Western Australia. Australian shipbuilder Austal will handle the local construction.

The frigates are designed to carry out multiple roles, including hunting submarines, targeting surface ships and providing air defence. Australia plans to deploy them to protect its maritime trade routes and its northern approaches in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The deal was first agreed in August and is seen as part of Japan’s move to expand its defence partnerships beyond its long-standing alliance with the United States.

It also comes at a time when both countries are paying closer attention to security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, including China’s growing military presence.

Officials from both sides said the agreement will also lead to closer industrial cooperation, especially when production shifts to Australian shipyards.

The contract for the warships follows a bidding process in which Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was selected over Germany’s Thyssenkrupp.

Australia is also increasing its overall defence spending, with plans to invest A$305 billion over the next decade.

The aim is to expand and strengthen its naval fleet, which officials say is now more important than it has been in decades. Defence spending is expected to rise to around 3% of GDP by 2033.

Australia and Japan, both close allies of the United States, have been working more closely together on defence in recent years.

They are also part of the Quad grouping, along with the US and India, and have increased coordination as security concerns grow across the region.

References: Al Jazeera, Reuters