In a major breakthrough for Japan¡¯s defense industry, Australia announced Tuesday that it will purchase 11 Japanese frigates in what will be Tokyo¡¯s biggest-ever defense contract and a critical step for bilateral relations.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate proposed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) was assessed as the ¡°best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force,¡± following a competitive bidding process for the 10 billion Australian dollar ($6.48 billion) project.
In Tokyo, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani welcomed the news later Tuesday, telling a news conference that the decision ¡°marks a significant step toward further enhancing security cooperation.¡±
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