Anna Hartz
Canberra to Receive 11 Mogami-Class Frigates by 2034
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have been growing. China recently sent warships around Australia and held live-fire exercises near its waters.
That move unsettled many in the region. New Zealand’s Defense Minister even called it a “wake-up call.”
In response, Australia is making changes to its defense strategy. One of the biggest steps is a major deal with Japan.
Largest Military Sale Since WWII
The Australian government has agreed to buy 11 Mogami-class frigates, reports El Economista. These are some of the most advanced warships Japan has ever built.
The deal is worth 10 billion Australian dollars, or about 5.6 billion euros. It’s the largest military sale Japan has made since the end of World War II.
These frigates are known for their stealth. They are hard to detect by enemy radar. They are 132 meters long and powered by both gas and diesel engines.
Each ship will carry a crew of 90 and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. They are also packed with electronic warfare technology.
Three of the ships will be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The other eight will be assembled in Australia at Austal’s new shipyard in Western Australia. Ship deliveries will begin in 2029 and continue through 2034.
After the announcement, shares of Mitsubishi rose by 4% in Tokyo. Austal’s stock jumped 8% in Australia. Both companies stand to gain from this major defense project.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
Australia currently spends about 2% of its GDP on defense. That’s around 59 billion Australian dollars each year.
The frigate deal matches a planned increase of 10 billion dollars in the military budget over the next four years.
By choosing Japan’s design over offers from Spain or South Korea, Australia is signaling a shift.
It wants closer military ties with Japan. It also wants to strengthen its position in the region, especially with growing concerns about China’s actions.
These new warships are not just an upgrade. They are a sign that Australia is preparing for a more uncertain and contested future in the Pacific.
