Australia has signed a major defence agreement to purchase 11 advanced warships from Japan, with the first delivery expected in 2029, marking a significant step in strengthening its naval capabilities as security concerns rise across the Indo-Pacific.
The deal was formalised in Melbourne on Saturday, where Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended a signing ceremony aboard an existing Mogami-class frigate. The agreement covers the first three upgraded vessels, which will be constructed in Japan at an estimated cost of between A$15 billion ($10.8 billion) and A$20 billion.
Eight additional warships are planned to be built later in Western Australia, reflecting Canberraâs dual focus on accelerating military readiness while supporting domestic shipbuilding and industrial capacity.
The frigates, based on Japanâs Mogami-class stealth design, are being developed with capabilities optimised for undersea warfare and air defence. They are intended to replace Australiaâs aging Anzac-class fleet, which has been in service for decades and is increasingly seen as inadequate for emerging security challenges.
âOur surface fleet is more important than at any time in decades,â Marles said during the event, highlighting the role these ships will play in securing maritime trade routes and protecting Australiaâs northern approaches as part of a broader effort to build a more lethal and capable naval force.
The project will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japanâs largest defence contractor, which was selected as the preferred bidder in August last year over Germanyâs Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The decision was widely viewed as a strong endorsement of Japanese defence technology and reliability.
The agreement is only Japanâs second major defence export contract since World War II, underscoring a gradual but notable shift in Tokyoâs defence policy as it seeks to expand its presence in the global arms market under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichiâs government.
A shifting defence landscape in the Indo-Pacific
The deal reflects broader strategic changes underway in the Indo-Pacific, where countries are rapidly modernising their militaries in response to rising geopolitical tensions and the need to secure critical sea lanes. Australia, heavily reliant on maritime trade, has been under growing pressure to strengthen its naval deterrence and operational reach.
For Japan, the contract represents more than a commercial win. It signals increasing trust from key allies in its defence capabilities and opens the door for further export opportunities as Tokyo looks to build a more competitive and profitable defence sector.
The inclusion of local shipbuilding in Western Australia also highlights Canberraâs long-term approach to defence procurement, combining immediate capability upgrades with investments in domestic industry, workforce development and supply chain resilience.
As both countries deepen defence cooperation, the warship programme is expected to become a cornerstone of their evolving strategic partnership, linking military capability with industrial collaboration at a time when regional security dynamics are becoming more complex. More information on Australiaâs defence strategy can be accessed through the Australian Department of Defence.
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