A cutting-edge frigate of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force has arrived in Australia for drills with the Australian navy. The visit is also seen as a bid by Japan to promote the vessel's capabilities, in light of Australia's plan to jointly develop a new frigate with a partner country.
The Noshiro entered an Australian naval base near the western city of Perth on Tuesday.
The Mogami-class frigate can be operated by a crew of about 90 -- around half the number necessary for a conventional frigate. It is also said to be able to perform multirole missions, including minesweeping.
Australia plans to introduce up to 11 frigates through joint development with a friend nation.
It shortlisted Japan and Germany for the program and is expected to make a decision in the second half of this year.
Japanese Defense Ministry officials say that if Tokyo is chosen, it will proceed with development based on an upgraded Mogami-class frigate with enhanced capabilities.
A senior Defense Ministry official said the project would be worth 1 trillion yen, or about 6.7 billion dollars.
The ministry plans to invite people in Australia's defense community aboard the vessel and outline its capabilities.
The ministry wants to strengthen defense cooperation with Australia as the regional security environment is becoming severer, including as a result of China's increasing maritime activity.
If Australia chooses Japan as its partner in the new frigate development, the MSDF will be operating vessels of the same type as the Australian navy.
Japanese officials say that will lead to improvements in parts procurements and maintenance. They also point out that the two countries will be able to deepen trilateral cooperation with the United States.
But Japan has no experience of joint development of defense ships with other countries. When Australia chose its partner for developing a new submarine in 2016, Japan was among the candidates, but France was picked.
Some in opposition parties in Japan claim that the government aims to increase arms exports without limits.
A senior Defense Ministry official said strengthening cooperation between Japan and Australia, located in the North and South Pacific, respectively, will contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
The ministry points out that the two countries are pursuing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Noshiro entered an Australian naval base near the western city of Perth on Tuesday.
The Mogami-class frigate can be operated by a crew of about 90 -- around half the number necessary for a conventional frigate. It is also said to be able to perform multirole missions, including minesweeping.
Australia plans to introduce up to 11 frigates through joint development with a friend nation.
It shortlisted Japan and Germany for the program and is expected to make a decision in the second half of this year.
Japanese Defense Ministry officials say that if Tokyo is chosen, it will proceed with development based on an upgraded Mogami-class frigate with enhanced capabilities.
A senior Defense Ministry official said the project would be worth 1 trillion yen, or about 6.7 billion dollars.
The ministry plans to invite people in Australia's defense community aboard the vessel and outline its capabilities.
The ministry wants to strengthen defense cooperation with Australia as the regional security environment is becoming severer, including as a result of China's increasing maritime activity.
If Australia chooses Japan as its partner in the new frigate development, the MSDF will be operating vessels of the same type as the Australian navy.
Japanese officials say that will lead to improvements in parts procurements and maintenance. They also point out that the two countries will be able to deepen trilateral cooperation with the United States.
But Japan has no experience of joint development of defense ships with other countries. When Australia chose its partner for developing a new submarine in 2016, Japan was among the candidates, but France was picked.
Some in opposition parties in Japan claim that the government aims to increase arms exports without limits.
A senior Defense Ministry official said strengthening cooperation between Japan and Australia, located in the North and South Pacific, respectively, will contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
The ministry points out that the two countries are pursuing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Summary
Japanese Mogami-class frigate Noshiro docks in Australia for naval drills and capabilities showcase. The visit is part of Japan's bid to partner with Australia on their plan for jointly developing a new frigate, worth approximately 6.7 billion dollars. Australia has shortlisted Japan and Germany
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ID: d57724e0-94bb-434f-a49a-5d53f98f0c11
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250313_02/
Date: March 13, 2025
Created: 2025/03/13 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 05:38
Last Read: 2025/03/13 10:55