Japan-Australia Partnership Signals Regional Militarization
A$10 billion warship deal reflects Indo-Pacific security transformation.
Australia and Japan struck their largest defense agreement ever on August 5, with Australia purchasing 11 Mogami-class frigates worth A$10 billion from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The upgraded stealth frigates feature 32 vertical launch cells capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles with 1,000-mile range, extending Australia’s strike capabilities significantly.
The September 5 Japan-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting in Tokyo deepened security cooperation, with both nations agreeing to enhance joint deterrence capabilities amid China’s growing assertiveness. Japan’s government spokesman called the deal “proof of trust in our nation’s high-level technology” and Japan’s largest defense export since 1945 with a non-US partner.
The partnership reflects broader regional realignments. Australia faces growing neighborhood rivalry with China, highlighted by Chinese naval forces circumnavigating the continent and conducting live-fire exercises off Australian shores earlier this year. Both nations are Quad members alongside India and the US, representing deepening security cooperation among Indo-Pacific democracies.
Australia plans to increase defense spending to 2.4% of GDP and expand its major warship fleet from 11 to 26 over the next decade. The Japan-Australia partnership exemplifies how trade relationships are being overlaid with security considerations as regional states hedge against overreliance on any single power.
Our Take: The Japan-Australia partnership reflects the Indo-Pacific’s evolution from a trade-focused to security-defined region. What began as economic cooperation is now becoming military preparation for potential conflict with China.