- First three frigates to be built in Japan, rest in Australia
- First frigate expected to be delivered in 2029
- Mogami-class frigates capable of launching long-range missiles
Japan clinched a landmark A$10 billion ($6.5 billion) deal on Tuesday to build warships for Australia, marking Tokyo’s most consequential defence sale since ending a military export ban in 2014 as it steps away from postwar pacifism to counter China.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011.T) , opens new tab will supply the Royal Australian Navy with three, upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates built in Japan from 2029. Eight more frigates will be built in Australia.
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The deal also anchors Japan’s push to forge security ties beyond its alliance with the U.S. to counter China.
The defence industry partnership "makes it harder for China to play Japan and Australia off against each other and sends a concerted signal to Beijing that both countries are willing to make their quasi-alliance a functioning reality” said Euan Graham, a senior analyst for defence strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
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