Australia Signs A$20B Japanese Stealth Frigate Deal

Australia finalized a contract to buy 11 upgraded Mogami‑class stealth frigates from Japan, valued at A$15‑20 billion ($10.8 bn).
Defense ministers Richard Marles and Shinjiro Koizumi signed the deal in Melbourne, with first three ships built in Japan for delivery by 2029.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries named lead contractor, beating Germany’s Thyssenkrupp, and eight remaining vessels will be constructed in Western Australia, boosting local industry.
The deal marks Japan’s second major defence export since WWII and reflects growing Indo‑Pacific security cooperation.