Japan eyes major warship deal with Australia – to pave way for Aukus membership?

Experts suggest Japan’s bid for a warship project could serve as a stepping stone towards joining the Australia-UK-US defence pact

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A Japanese Mogami-class guided-missile frigate. Tokyo aims to build a variant the warship in collaboration with Canberra. Photo: Handout

Published: 12:00pm, 4 Sep 2024Updated: 1:54pm, 4 Sep 2024

Japan’s rumoured bid for a major warship project in Australia is fuelled by strategic geopolitical considerations, analysts say, as Tokyo seeks to fortify security ties with regional partners and deepen its involvement in defence initiatives like Aukus.

A recent report from the Yomiuri newspaper revealed that Japan hopes to collaborate with Canberra on this new warship – with its Mogami-class frigate specifically singled out as a blueprint. Competing designs will also be submitted by Germany, Spain and South Korea, reports said.

The Australian government announced plans earlier this year to acquire 11 new frigates to replace its ageing Anzac-class vessels. The navy’s requirements specify that the ships must weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 tonnes, feature at least 16 vertical-launch cells for missiles, and include an enclosed hangar for one helicopter.

The total cost for this fleet is projected to reach up to A$8.5 billion (US$5.7 billion), with expectations for the ships to perform escort duties, provide air defence and engage surface targets.

Tokyo’s interest in the project reflects its desire to broaden its network of security partners, according to James Brown, a professor of international relations at Temple University’s Tokyo campus.

A Berlin-class replenishment ship of the German navy makes a port call in Tokyo in August. Japan has sought to broaden its network of security partners. Photo: Kyodo

“Japan has recognised that it needs to do more to guarantee its safety and is still working closely with the US,” he told This Week in Asia.