Australia and Japan Forge Stronger Ties with New Warship Deal

Australia and Japan have entered into a landmark agreement to construct a fleet of Japanese-designed warships, valued at AUD 10 billion. The deal, which includes the production of the first three Mogami-class frigates, marks a significant step in strengthening defense ties between the two nations. With the first ship expected to arrive by 2029, this collaboration aims to enhance Australia's naval capabilities while supporting Japan's defense industry. The agreement reflects a broader strategy to bolster military partnerships in the region, as both countries navigate evolving security challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 13:19 IST

Major Defense Agreement Signed

Melbourne: On Saturday, Australia and Japan formalized contracts for the construction of the first three vessels in a fleet of Japanese-designed warships, valued at 10 billion Australian dollars (approximately USD 6.5 billion), with the initial ship expected to be delivered in three years.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will manufacture the first trio of Mogami-class frigates in Japan, while Australia intends to produce an additional eight at a shipyard located in Western Australia.

The signing ceremony took place aboard the JS Kumano, a Mogami-class frigate currently part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, which was docked in Melbourne. Both Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles were present.

The Kumano recently participated in Exercise Kakadu, a biennial multinational maritime exercise hosted by Australia.

In August of the previous year, Australia announced that Japan's proposal had been selected over Germany's MEKO A-200 from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to supply the next generation of general-purpose frigates. This agreement significantly enhances Japan's developing defense sector, especially after it lost a submarine contract to a French firm in 2016.

The new fleet is set to replace Australia's aging ANZAC-class frigates, which are increasingly seen as vulnerable to contemporary missile and drone threats.

Marles emphasized that the Japanese frigates represent a significant advancement towards providing Australia with a more formidable surface combat fleet, with the first Mogami-class frigate scheduled to arrive in 2029.

He noted that this acquisition timeline marks the fastest integration of a surface combatant into the Royal Australian Navy's service.

Japan has been intensifying its military capabilities and broadening its defense partnerships beyond its primary ally, the United States, now viewing Australia as a semi-ally.

Marles expressed appreciation for Japan's easing of export restrictions on defense technology and equipment for trusted partners like Australia.

He remarked on Japan's industrial strength, highlighting the opportunities it presents for Australia’s defense industry development through the Mogami project.

Koizumi stated that the inclusion of Japanese vessels in the Australian navy signifies a pivotal advancement in bilateral defense collaboration.

He reiterated Japan's role as an essential partner in Australia's newly announced defense strategy, which includes an additional AUD 53 billion (USD 38 million) allocated to the defense budget over the next decade.

Koizumi pointed out that a key reason for Australia's choice of the Japanese frigate was its operational efficiency, requiring only 90 crew members, about half of what is needed for the current ANZAC-class vessels.

Australia's Mogami-class frigates are expected to be outfitted with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles and will have the capability to operate combat helicopters.