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3mo ago

Australia and Japan Sign A$10 Billion Frigate Deal, First Three to Be Built in Japan

The move reflects Japan’s push to expand defense exports.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, with the Minister of Defense of Japan Koizumi Shinjiro, signing the statement of intent, in Melbourne, Australia (official caption).
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Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles shakes hands with Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the start of their talks at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
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Overview

  • Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday in Melbourne, with defence ministers endorsing a “Mogami Memorandum” that launches an A$10 billion program for Royal Australian Navy frigates.
  • Three upgraded Mogami frigates will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with eight more planned for construction in Western Australia’s Henderson precinct by Austal, and the first delivery targeted for 2029 with service entry around 2030.
  • The ships are a multi-mission design with a 32-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system for missiles, a range of about 10,000 nautical miles, the ability to fly MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and a crew of roughly 92.
  • Canberra cites A$10 billion for the fleet over the next decade, while a separate 2026 investment plan sets up to A$20 billion for the frigate line including shipyard upgrades and local industrial setup.
  • Officials frame the deal as a major step in Australia–Japan security ties after Tokyo eased export rules in 2014, with Japan also procuring the same upgraded design under a recent 128.6 billion yen domestic contract.