DefenseJapan's first warship export project marks major step forward for bilateral relationsA Mogami type frigate is pictured in Yokosuka, Japan on Sept. 5, 2022. (Photo by Koji Uema)SHAUN TURTON and RURIKA IMAHASHIApril 18, 2026 14:57 JSTCANBERRA/MELBOURNE -- Australia and Japan on Saturday announced the official signing of a contract for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build the first three of Australia's new general-purpose frigates, a project worth 20 billion Australian dollars ($14.3 billion) that promises to deepen defense industry ties between the countries.