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Cabinet officials

Japan and Australia Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Mogami-Class Frigate Acquisition

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Japanese defense minister, Gen Nakatani, has welcomed the acquisition of the Mogami-class frigate by the Royal Australian Navy, stating it will further strengthen the capabilities of Australia's defense industry. The frigates will be built in Japan and Australia, with the first three being constructed in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the remainder in Australia at the Henderson Defence Precinct. The agreement marks a major step in enhancing security cooperation between Japan and Australia, who are special strategic partners.

Key Takeaways:

  • The acquisition of the Mogami-class frigate is a testament to Japan's record of continuous shipbuilding and will further strengthen Australia's defense industry.
  • The quality of design of the frigate played a major part in the Australian decision to acquire it, with Nakatani stating that they are "truly state-of-the-art warships that bring together the outstanding technological capabilities of Japan's defense industry."
  • The Australian decision marks a major step in further elevating security cooperation between Japan and Australia, with Nakatani stating that "Japan and Australia are special strategic partners, and this was a major step toward further enhancing security cooperation with Australia."
  • The first three of an eventual 11 frigates for the Royal Australian Navy will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the remainder to be built in Australia at the Henderson Defence Precinct.
  • A final agreement for the transfer of production to Australia is expected to be concluded by 2026.
  • The effort to transfer the construction of eight frigates to Australia would be an opportunity to strengthen Japan's defense industry.
  • Analysts have raised concerns about the risks associated with the program, including Japan's defense industry lacking experience in foreign exports and transferring production offshore.
  • Collin Koh, a senior fellow and coordinator of maritime affairs at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that Japan's naval shipbuilding industry is one of the most advanced and productive in the world.
  • Alex Luck, an Australian naval analyst, warned that the shipyards in western Australia have not handled a project of such complexity before and may struggle to deliver the project without hiccups.

Statistics:

  • Eleven frigates will be built for the Royal Australian Navy, with the first three being constructed in Japan and the remainder in Australia.
  • The construction of the frigates is expected to be completed by 2026.
  • Japan has only built naval vessels for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) thus far, and this is its first major defense export success.
  • The Mogami class has been introduced over the years since the first ship was commissioned, attesting to Japan's naval shipbuilding efficiency.

Sources:

  • Breaking Defense
  • S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
  • The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)

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