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Tokyo Welcomes Australia's Selection Of Japanese Frigate
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
TOKYO, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Tuesday announced that Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as the preferred platform for its next-generation general-purpose warship program under a joint development framework.
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Nakatani welcomed the decision, saying it demonstrates Canberra's strong confidence in Japanese advanced technologies and highlights the importance of interoperability between the two countries' defense forces.
According to the Defense Ministry, Australia plans to acquire 11 new frigates to replace its aging Anzac-class vessels in a project valued at approximately AUD 10 billion (USD 6.5 billion).
Japan's proposal had been in competition with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The upgraded Mogami-class frigate, already deployed by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, features high stealth capability, long-range missile compatibility, and efficient crew operations.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles praised the ship's capabilities, citing its ability to conduct both air and undersea warfare and operate with nearly half the crew of current Australian frigates.
Formal contract signing is expected in 2026 following price and logistics negotiations.
"This agreement marks a significant step forward not only in Japan-Australia security relations, but also in Japan's broader defense export policy," Nakatani said.
It will be Japan's largest arms export project since lifting its postwar military export ban in 2014. A previous bid by Japan to supply submarines to Australia was unsuccessful in 2016. "This joint development reflects our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Nakatani, reaffirming Japan's readiness to strengthen trilateral cooperation with Australia and the US. The initial delivery is scheduled for 2029, with full deployment anticipated in 2030. (end)
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Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Nakatani welcomed the decision, saying it demonstrates Canberra's strong confidence in Japanese advanced technologies and highlights the importance of interoperability between the two countries' defense forces.
According to the Defense Ministry, Australia plans to acquire 11 new frigates to replace its aging Anzac-class vessels in a project valued at approximately AUD 10 billion (USD 6.5 billion).
Japan's proposal had been in competition with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The upgraded Mogami-class frigate, already deployed by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, features high stealth capability, long-range missile compatibility, and efficient crew operations.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles praised the ship's capabilities, citing its ability to conduct both air and undersea warfare and operate with nearly half the crew of current Australian frigates.
Formal contract signing is expected in 2026 following price and logistics negotiations.
"This agreement marks a significant step forward not only in Japan-Australia security relations, but also in Japan's broader defense export policy," Nakatani said.
It will be Japan's largest arms export project since lifting its postwar military export ban in 2014. A previous bid by Japan to supply submarines to Australia was unsuccessful in 2016. "This joint development reflects our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Nakatani, reaffirming Japan's readiness to strengthen trilateral cooperation with Australia and the US. The initial delivery is scheduled for 2029, with full deployment anticipated in 2030. (end)
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