Australia is now set to operate a fleet of Mogami class frigates through a first-of-its kind defense export deal for post-World War II Japan.

The Australian government aims to sign binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy and the Japanese government in 2026.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won a multi-billion dollar deal to build a fleet of advanced naval frigates for Australia, boosting Tokyo’s ambitions to become a major exporter of military equipment and develop its defense sector.