Australia is set to acquire 11 state-of-the-art battleships from Japan, according to a DW report dated 08/05/2025.

Australia has announced a major defense deal with Japan to upgrade its navy with 11 frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, beating out competition from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The 10 billion Australian dollar ($6.5 billion or €5.6 billion) agreement marks the largest defense-industry agreement between Japan and Australia. Themogami-class frigates are next-generation warships equipped with vertical launch cells capable of launching long-range missiles, making them ideal for Australia’s strategic alignment with Japan. This deal is Japan’s first warship export since before World War II, making Australia’s choice a significant milestone in the country’s defense strategy. Australia is prioritizing its military capabilities and increasing its defense spending in response to China’s military expansion. The deal is the largest defense purchase made by Australia since 2021, when it agreed to buy and build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The partnership between Australia and Japan is strengthening their relationship in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/australia-to-buy-11-advanced-warships-from-japan/a-73528732?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf