New ship for Australian Navy: Japan participates in procurement of Australian frigates

New ship for Australian Navy: Japan participates in procurement of Australian frigates

・Japan proposes joint development to Australia

・A new type of ship based on the Mogami class?

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Yomiuri Shimbun: (May 7)

Japanese government considering joint development:

”The Japanese government is considering joint development with Australia for the introduction of general-purpose frigates.”

Sharing ships between Japan and Australia would improve interoperability and deterrence.

Japanese Ministry of Defense and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries discuss:

The Ministry of Defense has begun informal discussions with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and other companies.

1. Developing equipment requested by the Australian government

2. Development of ‘Mogami type’ based ships with added functions

Announcement from the Australian Albany Gee government:

The results of an analysis regarding naval reorganization were announced in February of this year.

The report recommends that the government “double its surface fleet strength.”

Analysis results regarding Australian Navy reorganization:

1. The number of Hunter class frigates acquired has been reduced from 9 to 6.

2. The number of Arafura-class patrol vessels acquired has been reduced from 12 to 6.

3. Acquired large unmanned ships (6 ships) and general-purpose frigates (11 ships) capable of manned operation.

Acquisition of general purpose frigates:

It is intended to be the successor to the Anzac-class frigate.

Candidates considered in the report:

It is expected that specific performance requirements will be revealed by the end of this year.

Australian general purpose frigate introduced:

Naval vessels from Japan, Spain, South Korea, and Germany were listed as candidates for introduction.

1. German MEKO A-200,

2. Spanish Alfa3000,

3. Japanese Mogami type,

4. South Korea’s Daegu class BatchII/BatchIII

Japan will also pay close attention to the trends and proposals of the three rival countries.

Requirements for Australian general purpose frigates:

It is unclear whether the Albany Gee government will follow the recommendations.

The requirements and procurement schedule for general-purpose frigates have not yet been determined.

Number of Australian general purpose frigates procured:

It only recommends that ”three ships should be built overseas and eight in Western Australia.”

Hanwha Ocea from South Korea:

The company is moving to acquire Australia’s Austal as part of its ‘investment in the US shipbuilding industry.’

1. Hanwha partnered with Babcock on the Canadian Navy’s submarine order.

2. Hanwha has experience in overseas business and project management.

Australia’s stance:

It has a position as a prime contractor for the Australian Navy and the US Navy.

Hanwha’s proposed acquisition of Austal:

The proposed deal is unlikely to be approved by Australian and US authorities, given the ownership issues surrounding defense contracts.

If the deal goes through, Hanwha will have an advantage in winning orders for general-purpose frigates.

Hyundai Heavy Industries’ stance:

Hyundai Heavy Industries and GE Aerospace have agreed to jointly develop a propulsion system optimized for export ships.

1. Hyundai Heavy Industries is in charge of ship design and construction for overseas markets.

2. GE Aerospace is responsible for supplying gas turbines for ships

The two companies are also considering MRO business for export vessels and procurement in Australia.

https://grandfleet.info/japan-related/japan-also-participates-in-frigate-procurement-for-the-australian-navy-considering-development-of-vessels-based-on-mogami-class/

A. Opinions and comments from internet users

Japanese government support system:

1. Utilizing Japan’s OSA framework:

-Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA)

The OSA framework can be utilized for offsetting contracts for local capital investment in target countries.

2. Japan Defense Infrastructure Development Association Fund:

Subsidies will be provided to defense equipment manufacturers to cover costs such as changing designs to specifications for target countries.

Japan’s weak yen allows it to effectively utilize its technological accumulation in shipbuilding and shipbuilding-related industries.

B. Trilateral Defense Ministers Meeting between Japan, the US, and Australia (24/5/2)

It was held in Hawaii by three countries: Japan, the US, and Australia. The outcome of the defense ministers’ meeting will be important.

Expanding cooperation through joint statement:

Japan, the United States, and Australia will ‘pursue collaborative opportunities by arrangement on research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) projects in the field of operationally advanced technology.’

1. Australia is emphasizing the labor savings of new ships.

2. Spain has a strong track record with Australia in building Hobart-class ships.