Australia and Japan sign contracts for $7bn warships deal

Australia and Japan have signed contracts for a $7 billion deal to build 11 Mogami-class warships for the Australian navy. The agreement, announced in Melbourne by both countries' defense ministers, signifies deepening defense cooperation amid shared concerns about regional security. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan will construct three of the stealth frigates, while Austal of Australia will build the remaining eight. The first Japanese-built warship is expected to be delivered in 2029 and enter service in 2030. This deal is part of Australia's broader $305 billion military spending plan over the next decade to bolster its naval capabilities. The "Mogami Memorandum" also aims to strengthen military ties through enhanced industrial cooperation in defense.

Japan and Australia finalized contracts on Saturday to jointly deliver the first three of eleven frigates for the Australian navy. The ships will be based on the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate design. The agreement, announced in Melbourne by the defense ministers of both countries, signifies deepening defense cooperation between Japan and Australia. This collaboration occurs amidst growing concerns about China's increasing assertiveness in the region. The deal also precedes Japan's anticipated easing of restrictions on defense equipment exports, which currently limit the export of lethal weapons except in joint development and production projects.