Australia, Japan Finalise Deal for 3 Naval Frigates
The deal sets into motion delivery of the first 3 of 11 vessels to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles after holding a joint press conference with the Minister of Defense of Japan Koizumi Shinjiro, in Melbourne, Australia. Rodney Braithwaite/Australian Defence Force
The defence ministers of Australia and Japan have concluded wide-ranging talks by signing contracts for the first 3 of 11 Mogami-class frigates, to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) at a cost of around AU$10 billion (US$7.4 billion).
The Japanese option was selected last August, beating the German Thyssenkrupp-manufactured TKMS MEKO A-200.
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.
