(MENAFN) Australia revealed on Tuesday that it had opted for the modernized Japanese Mogami-class frigate to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy as part of its AU$10 billion (US$6.5 billion) initiative.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that the government is now progressing to the subsequent phase of collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The objective is to finalize binding commercial agreements with both the company and the Japanese government by 2026.

"Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defense Force (ADF)," he remarked in an official statement.

According to the plan, three vessels will be produced in Japan, with the first expected to be delivered in 2029 and fully functional by 2030. An additional eight ships will be constructed domestically in Australia.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba applauded the Australian administration’s choice, affirming that Canberra had selected the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the favored design for the Royal Australian Navy’s forthcoming general-purpose warships.

"We welcome the Australian Government’s decision. Going forward, we will work together—across both government and industry—to move toward the conclusion of the contract," he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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