Story perspectives

Australia, Japan Sign A$10 Billion Warship Deal Amid Rising China Tensions

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 18, 2026, Australia and Japan signed an A$10 billion deal to supply Australia with warships.
Defence Ministers Richard Marles (Australia) and Shinjiro Koizumi (Japan) reaffirmed commitments to deliver three upgraded Mogami-class frigates and to build eight additional frigates in Australia.
The ships will be deployed to protect critical trade routes in the Indian and Pacific Oceans as China's military presence grows, marking Japan's shift beyond its U.S. alliance.

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Story summary

On April 18, 2026, Australia and Japan signed an A$10 billion deal to supply Australia with warships.
Defence Ministers Richard Marles (Australia) and Shinjiro Koizumi (Japan) reaffirmed commitments to deliver three upgraded Mogami-class frigates and to build eight additional frigates in Australia.
The ships will be deployed to protect critical trade routes in the Indian and Pacific Oceans as China's military presence grows, marking Japan's shift beyond its U.S. alliance.