NEWCASTLE, Australia — A state-of-the-art Japanese warship has arrived in Australia as a part of a high-stakes marketing campaign to safe a $6.5 billion contract to construct the nation’s subsequent fleet of general-purpose frigates.
The JS Yahagi, a Mogami-class stealth frigate from Japan’s Maritime Self-Protection Drive, is docked in Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory in what seems a symbolic and strategic transfer aimed toward strengthening protection ties with Australia and showcasing Japanese naval expertise.
Japan’s bid, led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was short-listed in November for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 3000 frigate mission and is competing in opposition to Germany’s MEKO A-200 provided by Thyssenkrupp Marine Methods.
The Australian Authorities is anticipated to pick out a most popular design later this yr, with building for 11 new vessels slated to start the next yr.
Japan would collectively develop and produce the frigates for the Australian navy.
As a part of its navy buildup, Japan is pushing to strengthen its largely home protection trade by collaborating in joint growth, together with a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy, and selling international gross sales just like the Mogami-class ships.
In an indication of its dedication and heavy funding Japan has pledged to prioritize the RAN’s order over its personal naval procurement.
The mission not solely serves to additional deepen cooperation between Japan and Australia but additionally to reinforce Japan’s warship capabilities, Protection Minister Common Nakatani has stated.
The Japanese Mogami-class design boasts superior fight techniques, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities, and mine countermeasure operations — all operated by a lean crew of round 90, serving to to deal with ongoing recruitment challenges within the Australian Navy.
The vessel’s commanding officer, Tamura Masayoshi, stated the ship’s smaller crew was an goal of the Mogami-class ship.
“The Japanese Maritime Self-Protection Drive thought we’d like stealth, and fewer folks, and just a little bit smaller ship,” Masayoshi informed the Australian Broadcasting Company.
The JS Yahagi’s go to to Darwin comes amid intensifying strategic cooperation between Canberra and Tokyo, each of which have emphasised the significance of maritime security and safety of sea lanes.
The frigate’s arrival can also be seen as a gesture of Japan’s rising function in regional safety and its want to align extra intently with key companions like Australia.
In September 2024, Australia and Japan agreed to extend joint military training exercises to deal with shared considerations of China’s incursions into Japanese airspace and territorial waters.
Two months later, protection ministers from Australia, Japan and the U.S. held tripartite talks in Darwin to reaffirm their dedication to strengthening safety ties and planning for joint navy operations in northern Australia.
Japanese marine models are additionally now included in annual coaching rotations of U.S. Marines in Darwin.
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Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed.