Australia to order Japanese frigates: historic contract for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Japan's largest defense export contract

Earlier this month, Australia announced its decision to purchase modern frigates from the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This has become the most significant defense contract for a Japanese manufacturer to date and an important milestone in expanding Tokyo's presence on the international arms market. The deal marks not only technological recognition, but also a strategic shift in Japan's defense policy.

How Japan got out of the arms export ban

For a long time, Japan has adhered to a strict policy of non-proliferation of weapons. The country's Constitution restricts the activities of the Armed Forces to self-defense, and in 1967, a complete ban on the export of defense products was actually introduced. However, in 2014, the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe radically changed course, relaxing the ban.

A new approach has been adopted: arms exports are allowed on a case-by-case basis, subject to strict compliance with the conditions. This allowed Japan to begin participating in international projects, including joint technology development and equipment supplies for the Allies.

Three principles of defense equipment transfer

The updated "Three Principles of Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer" define the framework for arms exports. The sale can only be approved if the following conditions are met:

The buyer is not under the UN embargo and is not involved in an active armed conflict.

The transfer clearly contributes to international peace, security, or the security of Japan itself.

Tokyo exercises strict control over end-use and retransmission, including mandatory prior consent for any transfer to a third party.

These principles allow Japan to maintain a responsible approach, avoiding weapons falling into the hands of unintended users and maintaining the trust of the international community.

The strategic importance of the deal for the region

The contract with Australia is not just a commercial success. It strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Joint defense projects contribute to closer coordination, compatibility of weapons, and enhanced collective security.

For Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this order opens the door to other international markets. The company demonstrates that Japanese technologies are able to compete with the world's leading manufacturers in the segment of modern warships.