DEFENCE CONNECT 29 November 2024, Robert Dougherty: The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced approval for the overseas transfer of Mogami Class destroyers if the ships are selected under Australia’s next-generation general purpose frigate program. Japan made the statement on 28 November regarding the transfer of FY2023–24-type destroyers in the event that Japan is to carry out the joint development and production of Australia’s next-generation general purpose frigate, via their Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “In the event that Japan is to carry out the joint development and production of Australia’s next-generation general purpose frigate … the National Security Council has deliberated and confirmed that this is a case in which the overseas transfer can be approved,” the statement said (translated from Japanese to English).
Japan’s Mogami class destroyer
“Regarding Australia’s next-generation general purpose frigate program, in February 2024, the Australian government announced that it would select the next-generation general purpose frigate from several candidate vessels, including the Mogami Class destroyer, and published procurement plans, including construction in Australia. “Since this announcement, Japan has provided the necessary information at the request of the Australian government, and in November 2024, the Australian government evaluated the vessels based on the information provided and narrowed them down to two candidate vessels, selecting the FY2024 destroyer (4,800-tonne type), an improved version of the Mogami Class destroyer, as one of them.
“Going forward, the Australian government is expected to decide which ships to procure under the Next General Purpose Frigate Program after holding discussions with the countries proposing candidate ships, including Japan. If Japan is selected, Japan will work with Australia to jointly develop and produce Australia’s next general purpose frigate … and the completed products will be transferred to Australia.” The statement outlined that Japan is building a close cooperative relationship with Australia as part of the country’s National Defense Strategy.
In addition, the statement speculated that joint development and production project will contribute to significantly improving interoperability and compatibility with Australia, strengthen the foundation for shipbuilding and maintenance in the Indo-Pacific region, and improve the future capabilities of Japan’s own shipping.