Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles praised the deal, stating the Mogami-class ships would “help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches” as part of a larger, more capable naval surface fleet. The selected vessels are equipped with both surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles and have an extended range of 11,500 miles, enabling long-distance operations. Australia had previously pledged billions of dollars to grow its fleet to its largest size since World War II, aligning with broader plans to field nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the U.S. and the U.K.

Under the agreement, three frigates will be constructed in Japan, with the remainder built domestically in Australia. Mitsubishi Heavy stated the program would enable “broad participation” by companies from both countries and bolster the defense industrial base in the Indo-Pacific. Japan’s relaxed export restrictions and efforts to expand defense manufacturing underpin the deal, marking a major step in Tokyo’s shift toward international security engagement.

Japan’s Export Policy Shift Enables Breakthrough

Japan’s move to loosen post-WWII restrictions on arms exports has allowed firms like MHI to participate in international tenders more actively. The deal with Australia comes amid Tokyo’s broader strategy to deepen regional security ties and counterbalance China’s assertiveness. In 2023, Japan supplied radar systems to the Philippines for monitoring Chinese activity, signaling a growing role in regional defense partnerships.

Mitsubishi Heavy has been developing and producing the Mogami frigate since 2018 for Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force. Its selection as the contractor for Australia marks a significant breakthrough for the company and Japan’s broader push to become a global player in defense manufacturing. The agreement represents one of the largest and most symbolic defense export milestones for Japan in recent decades.