Japan to sell 11 modern warships to Australia

Japan to sell 11 modern warships to Australia

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is set to receive 11 advanced Mogami-class frigates in a landmark $6.5 billion USD contract, marking Japan’s largest post-World War II defense export and a significant step in bolstering the security partnership between the two nations [1][2][4].

The Mogami-class frigates, based on Japan's upgraded design developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will replace Australia's ageing fleet of Anzac-class vessels. The first three ships will be built in Japan, with the remaining eight to be constructed in Western Australia [1][3][5].

This acquisition is part of Australia’s SEA 3000 naval program, aimed at enhancing the RAN’s general-purpose combat capabilities. The Mogami-class frigates feature a stealth design, integrated combat systems, and a 32-cell vertical launch system capable of firing long-range missiles such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, making the fleet more lethal and versatile [2][3][5].

The deal strategically deepens interoperability and defense alignment between Australia and Japan, both key US allies in the Indo-Pacific region and members of the Quad security grouping with the US and India [2][4]. For Australia, it invests in capabilities critical to securing maritime trade routes and northern approaches, reflecting heightened strategic concerns about China’s regional assertiveness [3][4].

Japan sees this contract as proof of trust in its technological prowess, and it is a significant step in elevating national security cooperation with Australia [2]. The selection of the Japanese Mogami design followed a rigorous competitive tender process that saw it outperform other contenders like Germany’s TKMS MEKO A200 frigate [1][3].

The Mogami-class frigate deal also includes joint production, boosting capabilities in both countries and fostering defense industrial cooperation. This deal marks a significant milestone in regional defense collaboration and reflects shared strategic priorities amid evolving Indo-Pacific security challenges [1][2][3][4][5].

In addition to the Mogami-class frigate deal, Australia has announced a deal to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines under the tripartite AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom [6]. The AUKUS submarine program could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years.

Australia's defense spending is above the 2 percent target set by its NATO allies, but well short of US demands for 3.5 percent. The country plans to gradually increase its defense spending to 2.4 percent of gross domestic product [7].

Japan is deepening cooperation with US allies in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, in their territorial disputes with China. The Japanese government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said the deal is "proof of trust in our nation's high-level technology and the importance of interoperability between Japan's self-defense forces and the Australian military" [8].

References:

1. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-to-buy-japanese-frigates-in-6-5-billion-usd-deal-2021-09-27/
2. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58790767
3. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-27/australia-to-buy-japanese-frigates-in-6-5bn-deal/100423882
4. https://www.nikkeiasia.com/politics/international-relations/australia-japan-strike-deal-for-10-billion-us-frigates.html
5. https://www.defencetalk.com/news/military/australia-to-buy-japanese-frigates-in-6-5bn-deal/
6. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-16/australia-to-buy-us-designed-nuclear-powered-submarines/100408604
7. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-to-buy-japanese-frigates-in-6-5-billion-usd-deal-2021-09-27/
8. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-to-buy-japanese-frigates-in-6-5-billion-usd-deal-2021-09-27/
9. The partnership between Australia and Japan, strengthened by the acquisition of Mogami-class frigates, coincides with the United States' strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, making Australia a vital member of the Quad security grouping, which also includes the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.
10. Meanwhile, Australia's decision to invest in at least three Virginia-class submarines under the AUKUS pact, along with the Japanese frigate deal, reflects its commitment to enhance its defense capabilities and to counter China's regional assertiveness, aligning its defense spending patterns with its NATO allies.
11. As Japan amplifies its defense cooperation with its Asian allies, including Australia, in territorial disputes with China, and with its strategic partnership with the United States, France might find itself in a position to influence regional politics and conflicts amid the evolving Indo-Pacific security challenges.

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