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The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced approval for overseas transfer of Mogami-class destroyers if the ships are selected under Australia's next-generation general-purpose frigate program.
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Japan made the statement regarding the transfer of FY2024-type destroyers in the event that Japan is to carry out the joint development and production of Australia's next-generation general-purpose frigate, via their Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on November 28.
"In the event that Japan is to carry out the joint development and production of Australia's next-generation general-purpose frigate... the National Security Council has deliberated and confirmed that this is a case in which the overseas transfer can be approved," the statement said (translated from Japanese to English).
"Regarding Australia's next-generation general-purpose frigate program, in February 2024, the Australian government announced that it would select the next-generation general-purpose frigate from several candidate vessels, including the Mogami-class destroyer, and published procurement plans, including construction in Australia.
"Since this announcement, Japan has provided the necessary information at the request of the Australian government, and in November 2024, the Australian government evaluated the vessels based on the information provided and narrowed them down to two candidate vessels, selecting the FY2024 destroyer (4,800 ton type), an improved version of the Mogami-class destroyer, as one of them.
"Going forward, the Australian Government is expected to decide which ships to procure under the Next General Purpose Frigate Program after holding discussions with the countries proposing candidate ships, including Japan. If Japan is selected, Japan will work with Australia to jointly develop and produce Australia's next general-purpose frigate... and the completed products will be transferred to Australia."
The statement outlined that Japan is building a close cooperative relationship with Australia as part of the country's National Defense Strategy.
In addition, the statement speculated that joint development and production project will contribute to significantly improving interoperability and compatibility with Australia, strengthen the foundation for shipbuilding and maintenance in the Indo-Pacific region, and improve the future capabilities of Japan's own shipping.
"Since the destination of this overseas transfer is Australia and the end user is a local construction company designated by the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Government, there is a high degree of certainty that proper management will be implemented," the statement continued.
"The finished products to be transferred to Australia are prohibited from being used for purposes other than those intended and the Australian Government is required to obtain prior consent for transfers to third countries, so it is recognized that there will be no problem for Japan's national security.
"This overseas transfer will be carried out based on the 'Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia Regarding the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology,' which prohibits use for purposes other than those intended and requires the Australian Government to obtain Japan's prior consent in the event of a transfer to a third country."
