People’s Daily recently republished a commentary from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily analyzing Japan’s frigate export agreement with Australia.
Japan and Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop new Australian naval vessels based on Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate. As frigates are fully armed combat platforms, the move is widely viewed as enabling Japan’s first post–World War II export of a major warship under the guise of joint development. It signals a shift in Japan–Australia defense ties from limited cooperation toward deeper and more comprehensive military integration.
This growing partnership is driven by multiple factors. While exporting frigates may help Japan offset development costs and bolster its defense industry, the article argues that Tokyo’s objectives extend well beyond economic considerations.
First, Japan seeks to use defense exports as a means to expand military ties beyond its alliance with the United States, deepen its integration into Western security frameworks, and elevate its status as a major military power.
Second, if Australia adopts the platform and establishes supporting maintenance and logistics systems, it could create favorable conditions for Japanese vessels to access resupply and servicing in the region, thereby extending Japan’s operational reach.
For Australia, closer alignment with Japan helps address capability gaps and strengthen its regional influence. The partnership is also supported by the United States, which views both countries as key allies in the Asia-Pacific and has encouraged closer defense cooperation between them.
Source: People’s Daily, April 29, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0429/c1011-40710946.html