SYDNEY/TOKYO: Japan clinched a landmark $6.5 billion (A$10 billion) deal on Tuesday to build Australia’s next-generation warships, marking Tokyo’s most consequential defense sale since ending a military export ban in 2014 in a step away from its postwar pacifism.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply the Royal Australian Navy with upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates from 2029.
Designed to hunt submarines, strike surface ships and provide air defenses, the highly automated warships can be operated by just 90 sailors, less than half the crew needed for current vessels.
Australia plans to deploy the new ships to defend critical maritime trade routes and its northern approaches in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where China has been increasing its presence and activity.
“It’s going to be really important in terms of giving our navy the capability to project, and impactful projection is at the heart of the strategic challenge,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said at a briefing.
