Australia Secures $6.5 Billion Deal for 11 Japanese Warships
Australia will bolster its naval fleet by acquiring 11 state-of-the-art Mogami-class frigates from Japan in a $6.5 billion defence deal, its largest ever with the country.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, awarding the contract to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries over Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
The agreement deepens strategic ties between Australia and Japan, two key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Marles said the decision was based on capability, describing the Mogami-class frigate as stealthy and next-generation, with 32 vertical launch cells for long-range missiles.
Despite concerns over cost and risk, Japan's bid won out. The country has limited experience exporting defence equipment due to post-World War II restrictions. This marks Japan's first warship export since before the war and only its second major defence deal overseas.
The first three frigates will be built abroad, while the remaining eight will be constructed in Western Australia. It will be Mitsubishi's first time building warships outside Japan.
The move is part of a broader shift in Australia's military strategy, announced in 2023, which focuses on long-range capabilities in response to China's regional military build-up. Australia aims to increase its major warship fleet from 11 to 26 within the next decade.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters
Arts & Culture
"Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Business
Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Arts & Culture
South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle
Arts & Culture
Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
Sports
Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
2 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Zad Al-Ezza" Aid Convoys from Egypt to Gaza Continue for Tenth Day
Amir haggag The Egyptian Red Crescent announced the continuation of its food aid efforts for the Gaza Strip as a national mechanism for coordinating aid to the Strip, with the dispatch of more "Zad Al-Ezza" convoys from Egypt to Gaza for the tenth day. The convoy included 3,000 tons of relief aid to Gaza, including food supply chains, medical supplies, therapeutic medicines, and personal care items. This comes within the framework of Egypt's commitment and ongoing efforts to provide the necessary food and health support to the civilian population in Gaza. The Egyptian Red Crescent, as a national mechanism for coordinating and dispatching aid to Gaza, has been present on the border since the beginning of the crisis, as the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian side has not been completely closed. It has continued its readiness at all logistical centers for the entry of aid, which has reached more than 35,000 trucks carrying approximately half a million tons of humanitarian and relief aid, thanks to the efforts of 35,000 volunteers from the association. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israel inks $35 bln deal to export 130 bcm of natural gas to Egypt until 2040 - Economy
Israeli NewMed Energy has signed a landmark deal to export 130 billion cubic metres (bcm), or 4.59 trillion cubic feet (tcf), of natural gas, worth around $35 billion, to Egypt until 2040. The new deal, signed with Blue Ocean Energy (BOE) — which buys natural gas from the Leviathan reservoir for Egypt — marks the largest export deal in Israel's history and the most significant agreement since the discovery of natural gas reservoirs in the country. Under the terms of the new deal, the export of gas to Egypt is expected to continue until 2040 or until all contract quantities are fulfilled, a NewMed press release said. The Leviathan reservoir began exporting natural gas to Egypt shortly after commencing production in January 2020. To date, it has provided around 23.5 bcm of natural gas to the Egyptian market, with a contracted annual volume of 4.5 bcm (0.16 tcf) through Blue Ocean Energy, alongside spot quantities sold on an interruptible basis. The original export agreement with Egypt, signed in 2019, is set to conclude once the total contracted quantity of approximately 60 bcm is sold, which is projected to occur in the early 2030s. The new agreement will replace this existing contract and is divided into two stages. Stage one involves the sale of 0.7 tcf (approximately 20 bcm) of gas. This stage is expected to take effect in the first half of 2026, following the completion of two key projects designed to enhance the production and transportation capacity: 1. The connection of a third pipeline from the Leviathan reservoir to the production platform, increasing gas production to over 0.5 tcf (approximately 14 bcm) per year; 2. The enhancement of the Ashdod-Ashkelon transmission pipeline, currently being carried out by INGL, which will increase the natural gas transmission capacity in the EMG pipeline by an additional 0.07 tcf. Once the first stage comes into effect, it will allow the sale of 0.7 tcf of gas to Egypt annually. Stage two involves an additional 110 bcm (3.88 tcf) of gas. This stage will commence after the completion of the Leviathan expansion project and the construction of a new transmission pipeline from Israel to Egypt via Nitzana. This Leviathan expansion project will significantly boost the annual natural gas production capacity in Israel by approximately 30 percent, bringing it to around 21 bcm (0.74 tcf). The new pipeline via Nitzana will help accommodate increased export capacities from Israel to Egypt. The total gas exports for stage two will amount to approximately 110 bcm (3.88 tcf) in varying annual quantities, which will raise the total sales from Leviathan to Egypt to an annual quantity of around 0.42 tcf (approximately 12 bcm). Thus, the overall export of approximately 130 bcm (4.59 tcf) of natural gas, based on a pricing formula primarily linked to Brent crude oil prices, is projected to generate around $35 billion in revenue for all partners involved in the reservoir. The finalization of this deal will facilitate a final investment decision for the Leviathan expansion project. In February, the Leviathan said it plans to increase annual production capacity to approximately 21 bcm, with potential future expansions. The expansion plan includes drilling additional wells, enhancing subsea systems, expanding processing facilities on the platform, and potentially laying a fourth pipeline between the reservoir and the production platform. Leviathan is the largest natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the largest in the world. According to the latest prospective resources report, the Leviathan reservoir contains approximately 600 bcm (21.2 tcf), and production is expected to continue until at least 2064, according to discounted cash flow projections. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
2 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Under attack from all sides, armed clans try to protect aid coming into Gaza
Securing the trucks carrying aid into Gaza is a tight balancing act for the Abu Mughsaib clan. Getting too close to the Israeli military checkpoints can turn deadly. But staying too far away gives looters a chance to get to the precious cargo first. 'This is the biggest challenge we face. We cannot approach army positions any closer, as doing so would put us at risk,' a member of the group that acts as a protection for the trucks told CNN. Two weeks ago, Hamas killed one of his team members and last month two were injured by Israeli fire, he said. As law and order further breaks down and famine takes hold across Gaza, agencies trying to get aid to warehouses and distribution points in the territory rely on groups such as Abu Mughsaib. 'Once the trucks enter (Gaza), we receive them before they are intercepted by looters or overwhelmed by crowds,' said the man, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. 'As for our weapons, they are simple family-owned firearms, and we also carry sticks and batons.' Aid convoys are increasingly being attacked by armed looters seeking to resell the aid at exorbitant prices, as well as crowds of starving people who are just hoping to feed their families. The UN said this week that it was still struggling to deliver aid to where it is needed most, and blamed Israel for delaying convoys by making the procedures too cumbersome. Palestinians hold onto an aid truck returning to Gaza City on July 22. Jehad Alshrafi/AP/File While the World Food Program said on Sunday that Israel has agreed to streamline the process and allow the use of alternative routes, the UN says a large proportion of trucks are still being blocked. Faced with allegations of purposefully starving the Gaza population, Israel has in turn blamed the UN, saying it is not distributing the supplies properly, and Hamas, which it accused of stealing aid. In the absence of official security, the Abu Mughsaib clan and other groups are stepping in. A member of the clan told CNN that international organizations including the World Health Organization had asked for security in delivering their aid. 'After we succeeded, our family-based group was formally established to serve that purpose,' the clan member told CNN, adding that the family is part of the Tarabin tribe, a prominent Bedouin family. 'We coordinate with a few other families and handle the securing of aid deliveries,' he said, adding that unlike other groups, the Abu Mughsaib are not working with either Israel or Hamas. A spokesperson for WHO said the organization works with 'various community elders' and the health ministry in Gaza to ensure that 'when critical aid is passing through… communities are informed and understand the items are lifesaving medical aid.' Palestinians carry aid supplies which they received from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in the central Gaza Strip on July 31. Reuters Accompanying the trucks is a risky business. The clan sent one video to CNN, which it said shows its members escorting a convoy of 10 trucks delivering aid. It shows armed men – some of whom are masked and some wearing high-vis vests – sat on top of the vehicles speeding along the Salah al-Din road in Deir al-Balah, shooting in the air. People can be seen running alongside the road, but nobody tries to intercept the convoy. The clan also said it has partnered with a third-party transport company in Gaza, which it claimed moves aid for humanitarian groups including the World Central Kitchen. A spokesperson for the World Central Kitchen said the organization does not work with the Mugaiseb Clan. The clan member who spoke to CNN said that while they do receive payments from some groups, they sometimes provide protection for free. 'Like with the World Health Organization, when it involves medicine or infant formula, we work on a voluntary basis. For private sector shipments and commercial goods, we are paid in return for the risks we take. Some organizations also provide small payments to cover fuel, ammunition, and similar costs,' he said. The UN said that the time-consuming approval process to get aid into Gaza often leaves trucks stuck in one location for a long time, attracting large crowds of people. Olga Cherevko, from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), was accompanying one such convoy as it tried to deliver aid from the Kerem Shalom border crossing earlier this week. She said the convoy was held for two and half hours at an Israeli checkpoint. 'By the time we were allowed to pass, we were met on the road by tens of thousands of hungry and desperate people who directly offloaded everything from the backs of our trucks,' Cherevko said. According to its own data, the UN and its partners have offloaded 2,134 trucks of aid at Gaza crossings since May 19, when Israel partially lifted a blockade that was imposed in March. While the UN said a vast majority of them, some 2,010 trucks, had been collected, only 260 arrived at their intended destinations. More than 1,750 were intercepted – either peacefully by hungry people or forcefully by armed gangs. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing aid, but an internal US government review found no evidence of widespread theft. More than 1,060 people have been killed and 7,200 injured while trying to access food in Gaza since May, according to the United Nations. Most died in the vicinity of distribution points set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial private venture backed by the United States and Israel. Palestinians carry aid parcels west of Beit Lahia in Gaza on July 29. Omar al-Qatta/AFP/Getty Images/File 'Worst case scenario of famine' Far too little aid is reaching those most in need, according to humanitarian agencies. Eyad al-Masri, a 31-year-old father of two with a third child on the way, used to buy food from people who got it at the notoriously dangerous aid distribution points. The prices were high, but still lower than at the market. But on Saturday, with no money left, he decided to go to the point near Netzarim in central Gaza himself. His is a common story. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed initiative said Tuesday that 'worst-case scenario of famine' is unfolding in Gaza. The health ministry in the territory also said on Tuesday that 900,000 children are going hungry, and 70,000 already show signs of malnutrition. 'I felt I had no other choice,' al-Masri told CNN. 'When the trucks arrived, I was shocked by the number of armed thieves, some carrying knives, others with firearms, operating in large groups.' Al-Masri managed to get a box of food, and was overjoyed at the prospect of giving his children and pregnant wife at least some of what they so desperately needed. 'But as I was leaving the area, a man armed with a knife came at me and tried to take the box by force,' Al-Masri said. He offered to split the contents, but the attacker insisted on taking the entire thing. 'When I refused, he stabbed me multiple times in the head,' he said. Running after the thief, al-Masri didn't realize he was bleeding. He was focused on getting at least some of the food back – which he eventually managed with the help of others. 'There are starving people who come to these distribution areas, but they can't get anything because of the armed groups,' he said. The Abu Mughsaib clan member said attacks against his group are coming from all sides – from other families, organized gangs of looters, Hamas and the Israeli army. He said that in July, a member of the escort team was shot dead by Hamas, who later said the killing was a mistake. Palestinians mourn outside the Al-Shifa Hospital morgue, where the bodies of people killed while seeking aid the previous day were brought, in Gaza City on July 31. Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images 'A month ago, (the Israeli army) opened fire on a vehicle carrying members of our escort team, injuring two of our men,' he added. He added, however, that the group will continue to provide security for as long as necessary. 'Vulnerable people urgently need food and medicine. We are not an alternative to any authority, nor do we aim to replace anyone,' he said. But he admitted the group's power only goes as far. 'We are under strict instructions not to harm any civilians. … Even if they manage to seize a truck in such cases, we let them take it without confronting them.' CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect the World Central Kitchen's statement that it does not work with the Mughsaib clan.
