Japan Makes Historic Move: Exporting Major Weapon Systems to Australia

In a landmark development, Japan has secured a major defense contract with Australia, marking the first time the country has exported a large-scale completed weapon system. The deal involves the construction of 11 new frigates for the Australian Navy, with the project led by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. According to reports, this is not only Japan's first export of a major weapon system but also its second export of finished military equipment, following the sale of a radar system to the Philippines.

The Australian government has confirmed that Japan’s ‘Mostami’-class frigate has won the tender against rivals such as Spain and South Korea, with only Japan and Germany remaining in the final stages of the competition. The Australian Navy plans to spend approximately 70 billion U.S. dollars on the project, which will see the first three ships built locally before the remaining eight are constructed at a shipyard in Western Australia.

To ensure the success of the bid, the Japanese government has formed a public-private partnership with key stakeholders, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and has pledged full support for the project. The government has even dispatched the ‘Mostami’-class frigate to Australia for a demonstration, highlighting the vessel's unique capabilities, including advanced mine-clearing technology and the integration of unmanned systems.

However, some analysts have questioned the practicality of the design for Australia, given the country's vast maritime territory. While Japan has promised to tailor the frigates to meet Australian needs, the design may not fully align with the country's operational requirements.

This contract holds significant strategic implications for Japan. It represents a major step in breaking through long-standing restrictions on arms exports and could signal the country’s growing ambitions in the global defense industry. Additionally, the deal is expected to strengthen military ties with Australia, potentially leading to deeper cooperation in defense technology and joint operations.

For Japan, the contract also aligns with its broader regional strategy. By securing a foothold in Australia’s military procurement, Japan aims to enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific region and reinforce its alliance with the United States and other regional partners. The deal may serve as a catalyst for further military collaboration and integration with Australian defense systems.

As the project moves forward, the success of this contract could mark a turning point in Japan’s defense industry, opening the door for future arms exports and strengthening its position as a key player in the global military market.