Japan wins bid to build Australia's new $10bn frigate fleet
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build 11 Mogami-class frigates to replace the ANZAC-class fleet, which Australia has been operating since World War II.
Announcing the deal alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the boats would create a 'bigger' and 'more lethal' Royal Australian Navy.
'Ladies and gentlemen, in terms of cost, capability, and meeting our schedule of delivery, the Mogami-class frigate was the clear winner,' Mr Conroy told reporters at Parliament House.
'The cost of acquisition of all three designs examined were comparable but, over the whole of life, the cost of the Mogami is much lower.
'The Mogami-class stealth frigate is in production right now.
'It was the only option that met the government's timeline of first frigate being delivered in 2029.'
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