
Japan set to land Australia frigate order in first warship export deal
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and other contractors head into final negotiations
Japan proposed that Australia purchase an improved version of the Mogami-class frigate used by the Maritime Self-Defense Force. © Kyodo
RURIKA IMAHASHI
SYDNEY -- Australia is poised to acquire a Japanese-built frigate for its navy and aims to conclude a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and others within the year, Nikkei has learned, in what would be Japan's first export of a warship.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Nikkei Asia
26 minutes ago
- Nikkei Asia
Ishiba to call for more Japanese rice production in policy pivot
Japanese consumers have been hit by sky-high rice prices, likely because of a production shortfall. (Photo obtained by Nikkei) RYO NEMOTO TOKYO -- The Japanese government is set to reverse its longstanding rice production adjustment policy that curbs output, and instead encourage farmers to grow more of the staple crop, as punishing heat and water shortages threaten the country's food security.


Japan Today
an hour ago
- Japan Today
Australia to seek deal with Japan in frigate development talks
The Australian government conveyed to the Japanese government on Monday that it plans to prioritize Japan over Germany in negotiating a deal for building a fleet of new frigates for its navy, a Japanese government source said. The deal, if closed after both sides can agree on prices, would mark a major arms export from Japan following an ongoing project between Japan, Britain and Italy to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet. The Australian project calls for spending up to A$10 billion ($6.48 billion) to build 11 frigates with an eye toward bringing the first into service in 2029. The Australian, a Sydney-based newspaper, reported earlier in the day that Canberra is expected to decide this week on whether to partner with Japan or Germany in the project to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates. In competing with Germany over the potential major arms deal, Japan has proposed jointly developing frigates based on the Mogami-class vessels used by its Maritime Self-Defense Force. However, the Mogami-class frigates are believed to be costlier than the ones proposed by Germany, as well as a potentially riskier choice due to Japan's lack of experience in building warships overseas, according to The Australian. Japan has stringent transfer rules for defense equipment capable of projecting a high degree of lethal force, but transfer is allowed for such equipment that is jointly developed and produced. The Japanese government determined at its National Security Council in November that Japan could participate in the frigate project. The following month, it launched a group together with defense contractors such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to lead Tokyo's bid to be a partner in the Australian project. Japan has touted its Mogami-class frigates, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as stealthy vessels that require fewer crew members to operate. © KYODO


Nikkei Asia
2 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
China starts Tibet dam megaproject to power coastal cities
Energy Government aims to deepen region's ties with national economy Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the world's largest hydroelectric project, in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, on July 19. (Xinhua/Kyodo) SHUNSUKE TABETA BEIJING -- China has begun construction on the world's largest hydroelectric power project in the Tibet Autonomous Region, a move believed to be partly aimed at strengthening the restive region's economic links to the rest of the country.