TOKYO - Japan is preparing to launch talks on exporting its advanced Mogami-class frigate to New Zealand, and the issue will be discussed when the defense chiefs of the two countries and Australia meet in late May, sources familiar with the matter said Monday.
The potential export of the highly stealthy Japanese defense ship would boost interoperability among the forces of Japan, New Zealand and Australia amid China's maritime assertiveness, as Tokyo and Canberra have decided to jointly develop a next-generation Australian frigate based on the Mogami-class design.
In their first trilateral setting, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to hold talks with New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles on the fringes of a Shangri-La Dialogue security forum opening Friday in Singapore, according to the sources.
Japan, Australia and New Zealand have been strengthening security ties as like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the envisaged defense meeting, the three ministers are expected to exchange information on the Japan-Australia joint development project and seek broader defense cooperation, the sources said.
For their part, Japan and Australia are seeking to help New Zealand make a final selection, as Britain's Type 31 frigate is also under consideration alongside the Mogami-class vessel.
Operated by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, the upgraded frigate incorporates advanced stealth features as well as high-performance radar and sonar systems. It is also equipped with mine-clearing capabilities typically handled by minesweepers.
Japan revised its defense equipment transfer guidelines in April to allow exports of jointly developed defense equipment, including lethal weapons, to countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Tokyo.
The Japanese government is considering concluding such an agreement with New Zealand, according to the sources.
Tokyo and Canberra said in April they had concluded a joint development contract for the frigates, with 11 vessels planned and the first three to be built in Japan. The first delivery is expected in December 2029.
