Trending Now - Australia and Japan Finalize $6.5B Frigate Agreement

WHO:

ABC News - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles attended the signing ceremony.

The Japan Times - The agreement was signed by Shinjiro Koizumi and Richard Marles.

WHAT:

ABC News - Australia and Japan signed contracts for the first three of a $6.5 billion fleet of Japanese-designed warships.

The Japan Times - The deal involves the supply of the first three of a planned fleet of 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to the Australian Navy.

ABC News - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the first three Mogami-class frigates in Japan, while Australia plans to build another eight in Western Australia.

ABC News - The first of the Mogami-class frigates is due to arrive in Australia in 2029.

ABC News - The Japanese frigates will replace Australia’s ageing ANZAC-class frigates.

WHERE:

ABC News - The signing ceremony took place aboard the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano, docked off the city of Melbourne, Australia.

The Japan Times - The agreement was signed in Melbourne, Australia.

WHEN:

ABC News - The contracts were signed on Saturday, April 16th, 2026.

ABC News - The first Mogami-class frigate is due for delivery in 2029.

WHY:

ABC News - The deal is intended to boost Japan’s defense industry and enhance Australia’s naval capabilities.

ABC News - Australia’s decision to choose the Japanese frigate was influenced by its ability to operate with just 90 personnel, around half the crew of the current ANZAC-class version.

HOW:

ABC News - The Japanese-designed fleet will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-shipping missiles and could operate combat helicopters.

ABC News - The signing of the contracts marks a significant step in deepening defense cooperation between Australia and Japan.

(UPDATED April 18, 2026 11:11 UTC)

Australia and Japan have signed contracts for the first three of a planned fleet of eleven upgraded Mogami-class frigates, valued at $6.5 billion, during a ceremony aboard the JS Kumano in Melbourne on Saturday. The deal, which aims to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities and boost Japan’s defense industry, will see Mitsubishi Heavy Industries build the initial frigates in Japan, while Australia will construct the remaining eight in Western Australia, with the first ship expected to arrive in 2029. These new frigates will replace Australia's aging ANZAC-class vessels and are designed to operate with a smaller crew, making them more efficient for modern naval operations.