Australia, Japan sign contracts to start $7 billion warship deal
Australia and Japan have formally launched a major defence partnership, signing contracts to begin work on a multibillion-dollar warship programme aimed at strengthening regional security and naval capabilities.
The agreement, valued at around $7 billion, will see Japan supply advanced multi-role frigates to Australia in what is considered Tokyo’s most significant overseas military sale since it relaxed its long-standing arms export restrictions in 2014. Defence ministers from both countries finalised the deal during a ceremony in Melbourne, reaffirming their shared commitment to closer strategic cooperation.
Under the arrangement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates in Japan, with delivery expected from 2029. Construction of an additional eight vessels will later shift to Australia, supporting local industry and creating skilled jobs at shipyards in Western Australia.
The warships are designed for a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface combat operations. Australian officials say the new fleet will play a critical role in protecting key maritime trade routes and enhancing surveillance across the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly shaped by strategic competition and military expansion.
The deal also reflects Japan’s evolving defence posture, as it seeks to deepen security ties beyond its traditional alliance with the United States. For Australia, the agreement aligns with broader efforts to modernise its navy and strengthen deterrence capabilities amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Analysts note that the partnership could pave the way for further defence collaboration between the two countries, including technology sharing, joint exercises, and expanded industrial cooperation.
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