A Japanese warship has arrived in Australia as part of a high-stakes campaign to secure a US$6.5bil (RM27.5bil) contract to build the country’s next fleet of general-purpose frigates.
The JS Yahagi, a Mogami-class stealth frigate, is docked in Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory in a symbolic and strategic move aimed at strengthening defence ties with Australia.
Japan’s bid, led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was short-listed in November for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 3000 frigate project – competing against Germany’s rival offer.
Australia is expected to select a preferred design later this year, with construction for 11 new vessels to begin the following year.
Japan would jointly develop and produce the frigates for the RAN.
Japan is pushing to strengthen its domestic defence industry by participating in joint development, including a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy, and promoting foreign sales like the Mogami-class ships.
In a sign of its commitment and investment Japan has pledged to prioritise the RAN’s order over its own naval procurement.
The Mogami-class boasts advanced combat systems, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities and mine countermeasure operations – all operated by a lean crew of around 90, helping to address recruitment challenges in the RAN.
The vessel’s commanding officer, Tamura Masayoshi, said the ship’s smaller crew was an aim of the Mogami-class ship.
“The Japanese Maritime Self-defence Force thought we need stealth, and less people, and a little bit smaller ship,” Masayoshi told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. — AP
