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Japan, Australia Seal Deal for 3 Advanced Frigates to Boost Naval Power

Japan and Australia have formally signed a contract for the joint delivery of three advanced frigates to the Royal Australian Navy. The ships, based on Japan's upgraded Mogami-class design, will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and delivered by December 2029. The vessels are equipped with advanced missile systems and can operate with a significantly reduced crew, addressing personnel challenges. The deal, announced by the defense ministers of both nations, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Japan and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points: Japan, Australia Sign Contract for Joint Frigate Delivery

  • Three frigates based on upgraded Mogami-class
  • AU$20 billion Australian investment over 10 years
  • Delivery from Japan scheduled for December 2029
  • Vessels feature advanced missile systems and reduced crew requirement
  • Strengthens Indo-Pacific strategic partnership
2 min read

Japan, Australia sign contract to jointly deliver three frigates

Japan and Australia sign a contract to jointly deliver three advanced Mogami-class frigates to the Royal Australian Navy by 2029.

"Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia. - Australia's Defence Ministry"

Melbourne, April 18

Japan and Australia on Saturday said that they have signed the contracts to jointly deliver three of the 11 ships for the Australian Navy. These ships are based on the upgraded Mogami-class frigate of Japan, as reported by a Japanese news outlet.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, who also doubles as Deputy Prime Minister, announced this deal in Melbourne, Kyodo news reported.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., which produces the Mogami-class vessels, also signed the contract.

After the talks, in a joint press conference aboard the Mogami-class Kumano frigate, Marles said that these vessels will be built in Japan and delivered to Australia in December 2029.

Over 10 years, the government of Australia will invest up to AU$20 billion ($14.4 billion) for the development of a new fleet, the report mentioned. These upgraded Mogami-class frigates come with 32-cell Vertical Launch and a range of 10,000 nautical miles.

According to the government of Australia, the vessels will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, crewed by 92 Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers, and capable of operating an MH-60R Seahawk maritime combat helicopter.

The Kyodo report stated that Australia's military is grappling with a personnel shortage, and this frigate adds a significant advantage as it can operate with half the crew required for a conventional frigate.

"Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia. As Special Strategic Partners, we have one of the closest and most enduring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by deep mutual trust, shared values and a high level of strategic alignment built over decades of cooperation," Australia's Defence Ministry stated.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, and our partnership continues to go from strength to strength," said Marles.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
$14.4 billion is a massive investment! The technology sounds impressive - 10,000 nautical mile range and operating with half the crew. Australia is serious about securing its maritime interests. I wonder if India could explore similar collaborations with Japanese shipbuilders for our own naval modernization.
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Priya S
While strategic partnerships are important, I hope this doesn't escalate into a full-blown arms race in our region. We have enough tensions already. Diplomacy should always be the first option. The money could also be used for climate change initiatives which affect all of us in Asia-Pacific.
R
Rohit P
Japan's Mogami-class frigates are top-notch. Their stealth capabilities are world-class. Good move by Australia. For India, we should focus on our own Project 17A frigates and ensure timely delivery. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence is the way forward, but learning from allies like Japan is also key.
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Michael C
The crew shortage point is crucial. Modern navies everywhere are facing manpower issues. Designing ships that require fewer sailors is smart thinking. I hope the Indian Navy is also looking at such automation and efficiency improvements for our future vessels.
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Kavya N
Australia calling Japan an "indispensable partner" says a lot about how alliances are shifting. The Indo-Pacific is the new geopolitical hotspot. India must navigate these waters carefully, strengthening ties with both while safeguarding our own sovereignty. Jai Hind!

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