Japan and Australia Strengthen Defence Ties with Historic Warship Agreement
Photo: Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launches the fourth Mogami-class frigate, Mikuma. (Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force)
The Straits Times
Japan has reached a pivotal milestone in its defence export history, as its National Security Council recently approved the sale of Mogami-class frigates to Australia for its General Purpose Frigate program. This marks the first time Japan has sold a major modern weapon system to another nation, highlighting its growing ambitions as a defence exporter and its commitment to deepening strategic ties with Australia.
The decision, announced by Japan’s Foreign Ministry on November 28, emphasizes the significance of the Japan-Australia partnership. “As stated in the National Defence Strategy, Australia is a ‘special strategic partner’ in the Indo-Pacific region, second only to Japan-US defence cooperation,” the ministry noted.
The Mogami-class frigates, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), are currently in service with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. They are competing against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which has offered an upgraded Meko A-200 design, based on Australia’s ageing Anzac-class frigates. With an estimated project cost of $10 billion AUD ($6.6 billion USD), the competition is expected to be a strategic decision rather than a purely commercial one.
Michael Shoebridge, founder of Strategic Analysis Australia, highlighted the potential strategic impact of the Japanese bid. “Choosing the Mogami-class would significantly enhance military interoperability and strengthen the defence industrial bases of both nations,” he said. Japan’s increasing defence cooperation with Australia, exemplified by the Reciprocal Access Agreement and joint troop rotations, gives it a competitive edge over Germany, which lacks formal defence ties with Canberra.
Shoebridge also pointed out the broader implications of this partnership, suggesting it could propel Japan into an AUKUS Pillar Two-like role, fostering advanced military technology cooperation. “Japan’s offer reflects a serious commitment to a strategic and technological partnership with Australia, building on shared Indo-Pacific security goals,” he added.
A unique aspect of the agreement is Japan’s retention of veto power over any transfer of the frigates to a third party. This mirrors U.S. practices and underlines Japan’s intention to safeguard its defence technology while becoming a more active player in the global arms market.
The final decision on the frigate program is expected by mid-2025. If selected, the joint development would not only modernize Australia’s navy but also strengthen shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
For Japan, this landmark deal signals its transition into a prominent defence exporter. For Australia, it presents an opportunity to deepen ties with a trusted ally and bolster its maritime capabilities at a critical time in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
