Japan Agrees Historic Military Deal to Export Warships to Australia

Japan has taken an unprecedented step in its security policy, signing a historic agreement with Australia for the export of large military vessels. This marks the first time Tokyo has sold warships of this caliber to a foreign country since World War II.

The contract, valued at approximately 10 billion Australian dollars (about 7 billion US dollars), will see Mitsubishi Heavy Industries deliver 11 Mogami-class multi-purpose frigates to Australia. This deal became possible after Japan eased its strict military export regulations in 2014.

The first three frigates will be constructed in Japan and delivered to Australia starting in 2029. The remaining vessels will be assembled at Australian shipyards near Perth. These new frigates will replace Australia's aging Anzac-class frigates and bolster its defense capabilities in an increasingly tense Indo-Pacific region, characterized by China's expanding military influence and activity.

The Mogami-class frigates are considered among Japan's most modern naval platforms. They feature a high degree of automation, allowing them to be operated by a crew of just 90 people, significantly fewer than comparable vessels. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including stealth elements and systems compatible with U.S. military infrastructure, these ships are also viewed favorably by Washington due to limited U.S. shipyard production capacity. New Zealand and several Southeast Asian nations have also expressed interest, signaling Japan's growing role in the international defense market.