Australia Signs Deal For First Batch of Warships From Japan

A Mogami-class stealth frigate from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, docked in Darwin, Australia.

Source: Kyodo News/Getty Images

Australia completed a contract for the first three of 11 advanced warships it plans to buy from Japan, a landmark deal to bolster the Royal Australian Navy that also represents a breakthrough in Tokyo’s ambitions to become a major defense exporter.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi took part in a signing ceremony in Melbourne on Saturday.