Micah Jonah
April 19, 2026
The governments of Australi, Japan have signed contracts for the construction of three advanced warships under a $7 billion defence agreement aimed at strengthening naval capabilities and deepening military cooperation.
The agreement was formalised on Saturday in Melbourne by Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, and Japan’s Defence Minister, Koizumi Shinjiro, during an official signing ceremony.
The deal covers the first batch of 11 planned next-generation frigates, known as Mogami-class warships, to be deployed by the Australian navy.
Under the arrangement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will construct three of the vessels in Nagasaki, while Australian shipbuilder Austal will build the remaining eight in Western Australia.
Officials confirmed that the first warship built in Japan is expected to be delivered by 2029 and enter active service in 2030.
Speaking at the event, Marles stated that the expansion of Australia’s naval fleet reflects growing security priorities, particularly in safeguarding maritime trade routes and strengthening national defence capabilities.
Koizumi also noted that closer defence collaboration between the two countries has become increasingly important amid evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement, referred to as the Mogami Memorandum, outlines plans for enhanced industrial cooperation and long-term strategic partnership between both nations in the defence sector.
Australia has committed to a significant increase in military spending over the next decade, with projections indicating a rise to about three percent of gross domestic product as part of a broader defence modernisation programme.
Both countries, regarded as key allies of the United States, have in recent years expanded military ties, reflecting shared concerns over regional security dynamics and the need for stronger collective defence frameworks.
