Japan and Australia Sign New Warship Contract, Effectively Exporting Frigates Overseas
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles met in Melbourne and confirmed the signing of a contract for the joint development of new naval vessels for the Australian Navy. This marks Japan's first export of frigates.
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- 📰 Published: April 18, 2026 at 13:42
- 🔍 Collected: April 18, 2026 at 14:01 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 21:40 (7h 38m after Collected)
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles held talks in Melbourne, Australia, today and confirmed the signing of a contract for the joint development of new naval vessels for the Australian Navy.
Australia plans to procure 11 'improved Mogami-class' frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to replace its aging Anzac-class frigate fleet. The first new ship is expected to enter service in 2030.
According to Kyodo News and TV Asahi reports, the two sides confirmed during their talks the joint development of new Australian naval vessels based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force's latest 'Mogami-class' frigates (FFM).
Under Japan's current Three Principles of Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, the export of weapons with lethal capability is restricted. However, transfers for the purpose of joint development and production are permitted.
Related sources indicated that the delivery of the new ships is expected to begin in 2029, with the first three of the 11 new ships planned to be manufactured in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The report noted that this effectively means Japan will export frigates in the future.
Koizumi stated in the meeting, 'I hope this will help further enhance Japan-Australia relations,' expressing his intention to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Japan positions Australia as a 'quasi-ally' and values it as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The two sides intend to strengthen defense cooperation through the joint development of new naval vessels.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is coordinating a visit to Australia in late April. Koizumi's visit also aims to pave the way for Takaichi's trip. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-ching) 1150418
Australia plans to procure 11 'improved Mogami-class' frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to replace its aging Anzac-class frigate fleet. The first new ship is expected to enter service in 2030.
According to Kyodo News and TV Asahi reports, the two sides confirmed during their talks the joint development of new Australian naval vessels based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force's latest 'Mogami-class' frigates (FFM).
Under Japan's current Three Principles of Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, the export of weapons with lethal capability is restricted. However, transfers for the purpose of joint development and production are permitted.
Related sources indicated that the delivery of the new ships is expected to begin in 2029, with the first three of the 11 new ships planned to be manufactured in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The report noted that this effectively means Japan will export frigates in the future.
Koizumi stated in the meeting, 'I hope this will help further enhance Japan-Australia relations,' expressing his intention to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Japan positions Australia as a 'quasi-ally' and values it as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The two sides intend to strengthen defense cooperation through the joint development of new naval vessels.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is coordinating a visit to Australia in late April. Koizumi's visit also aims to pave the way for Takaichi's trip. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-ching) 1150418