Australia Acquires $6.5 Billion Defence Warships with Japan

(The Post News)- Australia and Japan have signed one of the largest defence industry collaborations to date, securing a landmark A$10 billion (approximately $6.5 billion) deal under which Japan will provide the Royal Australian Navy with 11 advanced Mogami-class warships.

This significant agreement marks Japan’s most substantial defence export since it lifted its ban on weapons exports in 2014. Under the contract, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will construct the first three frigates in Japan, and the remaining eight in Australia, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.

The Mogami-class warships are highly versatile and technologically advanced vessels. Equipped with enhanced stealth features, they are designed for a range of roles including submarine hunting, surface warfare, and air defence. The ships are also capable of launching long-range missiles, and unlike Australia’s current warships, they can operate with a smaller crew of just 90 personnel.

Australia’s Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, described the agreement as an “investment” in national security, adding, “It’s going to be really important in terms of giving our navy the capability to project, and impactful projection is at the heart of the strategic challenge,”.

The warships also mark a major increase in firepower. According to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, the Mogami-class ships can launch up to 128 air defence missiles, quadrupling the current capability of Australia’s general-purpose warship.

According to senior analyst for defence strategy Euan Graham, the deal also strengthens Japan’s defence relationships beyond its long-standing alliance with the United States. It positions Japan and Australia as closer partners, thereby sending a “concerted signal to Beijing [China] that both countries are willing to make their quasi-alliance a functioning reality”.

It is reported by Reuters that officials from Australia and Japan expect to finalise the full contract by next year as they still need to hash out key details on pricing, sustainment, and production transfer.

Please share your thoughts contact Lukhona via email: journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net