The Royal Australian Navy has selected a Japanese proposal for its new frigate acquisition plan. Jointly developed by the two nations, the ships will be based on an improved version of Japan's Mogami-class frigates. This is the same new Mogami-class FFM currently in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF).
The deal, worth up to approximately ¥950 billion JPY ($6.5 billion USD or $10 billion AUD), will be Japan's largest-ever defense equipment export project. The first 11 upgraded Mogami vessels will be built in Japan and the rest will be built in Australia. Delivery of the first ship is expected in 2029.
Countering Chinese Aggression
Japan and Australia are quasi-allies that feel mutually threatened by China. This export decision is welcome and should lead to improved deterrence against China. Japan should use this opportunity to strengthen its defense industry and boost exports of defense equipment. Hopefully, the export of frigates to the Philippines will also materialize.
Japan's public and private sectors jointly promoted the plan, which ultimately won out over a rival German proposal. The new FFM frigates will have high stealth capabilities, making them difficult to detect by radar, and will be able to carry a large number of missiles.
Among the deciding factors in the bid's success, the ships will be equipped with high-performance radar and sonar and operated by a crew of just 90. That is roughly half the size of a crew required on a conventional frigate. The soundness of the shipbuilding plan, including secured dock space at a shipyard, was also highly praised. Nonetheless, efforts will also need to be made to ensure that construction in Australia proceeds smoothly.
Significantly, these exports will both enhance the capabilities of the Australian Navy and the interoperability between it and the JMSDF. Japan and Australia would also be able to cooperate with the United States to deter any Taiwan contingency or conflict in the South China Sea.
Defense Cooperation Preserves Peace
Some criticize the export of defense equipment as contrary to the path a nation dedicated to peace should follow. However, such a view is misguided. Even if Japan were to refrain from exporting arms, China would not change its character. Moreover, other countries would step forward to make the sales. Tensions and emergencies are not about to disappear even if Japan halts arms exports.
Rather, it should be emphasized that it strengthens security cooperation if like-minded and friendly nations adopt Japanese defense equipment.
Japan's Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology set forth the operational guidelines for permissible exports. There are five permissible categories for countries cooperating with Japan in the security area: rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance or minesweeping. They do not include lethal equipment.
In this case, the guidelines do not apply, however. Certainly, the frigates are lethal. However, their export is permitted because they are jointly developed and produced internationally.
This time, the decision to export was a natural outcome. Nevertheless, arms exports should be possible regardless of whether they are jointly developed or produced. Exports of lethal equipment would greatly contribute to improving the regional security environment and enhancing deterrence.
It is high time that Japan revised its Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
