The formalised deal offers Canberra a strategic alternative to uncertain US defence ties, analysts say
3-MIN READ3-MINMaria SiowPublished: 8:00am, 24 Apr 2026A landmark warship deal between Australia and Japan is expected to drive further defence technology cooperation between the two Asia-Pacific nations, comparable in scope to Canberra’s security arrangements with Washington.Analysts say the agreement with Tokyo will also help Canberra address navy shortfalls and reduce its overreliance on the US at a time of great volatility.
Marles described the Japanese frigates as a major step towards building a larger and more lethal Australian surface combat fleet. “The time frame that we’ve announced is the fastest acquisition of a surface combatant into service in the Royal Australian Navy ever,” he said.
