Overview
- Kansas Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara welcomed New Zealand naming an improved Mogami-class frigate as a candidate for its next frigate program.
- He said the choice would deepen Japan–New Zealand defense cooperation by putting the same core warship design in both fleets.
- Kihara noted Australia has already decided to adopt the Mogami design, which he said would enable three-way interoperability and interchangeability among the partners.
- New Zealand has not made a final procurement decision, with the frigate selection process still under review.
- The Mogami class is a modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate, and shared platforms can ease joint training, maintenance, and parts supply across allied navies.