Japan Secures Landmark $6.5 Billion Deal with Australia for Next-Gen Frigates

Japan has landed a momentous A$10 billion deal to construct Australia's state-of-the-art warships, a significant step since Tokyo lifted its military export ban in 2014. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply the Royal Australian Navy with Mogami-class multi-role frigates by 2029.

Australia aims to enhance its maritime capabilities with these advanced automated warships, operated by only 90 sailors. These frigates are intended to secure critical trade routes and northern borders in response to China's growing presence in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The deal fortifies Japan's defence cooperation outside its US alliance, a strategy against China's expanding influence in Asia. The initiative follows Australia's decision to pivot from a 2016 rejected Japanese submarine program to the nuclear-powered submarine agreement with the US and UK under the AUKUS pact.

(With inputs from agencies.)