Australia and Japan Forge Major Naval Defense Deal
Australia is set to enhance its naval capabilities by acquiring 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan, marking a significant $6.5 billion defense agreement.
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Overview
- Australia is upgrading its naval force with 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- The $6.5 billion deal aims to strengthen military cooperation between Japan and Australia.
- The new frigates are expected to be operational by 2030 and will require a smaller crew than the current Anzac class.
- This agreement is part of a broader strategy to bolster naval capabilities and deter China's influence in the region.
- The deal represents the largest defense procurement for advanced warships in Australia's history.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a significant and strategically vital defense upgrade for Australia, emphasizing its role in deterring China and strengthening regional alliances. They highlight the advanced capabilities of the frigates and the deepening security partnership with Japan, presenting the deal as a necessary and beneficial step for national security.
"The deal further cements a burgeoning security partnership between Australia and Japan."
Fortune"Mitsubishi’s win was a boon for Japan’s defense industry, which has not built naval vessels abroad before."
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
The Mogami-class frigates are advanced stealth warships featuring a 32-cell Vertical Launch System for long-range missiles, equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, have a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, and require a smaller crew than the current Anzac-class vessels.
Australia selected the Mogami-class frigate after a rigorous and competitive tender process, assessing it as the best option to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force, including superior stealth, weapon systems, and alignment with Australia's strategic interests.
The first three Mogami-class frigates will be built in Japan and delivered starting in 2029, while the remaining ships will be constructed in Western Australia, accelerating delivery to the Royal Australian Navy.
The deal aims to enhance Australia's naval capabilities significantly as part of a broader strategy to strengthen military cooperation with Japan and deter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
This agreement represents Japan's largest post-World War II foreign defense export and its first major warship export in over 70 years, marking a major milestone in Japan's defense industry and its strategic partnership with Australia.
History
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