This comes as Japan is set to ease rules on defence equipment exports, which have strict limits on exporting weapons with lethal capability
Currently such exports are only allowed if they are part of a joint development and production project.
The three vessels will be built in Japan, with Marles saying at a joint press conference aboard the Mogami-class Kumano frigate after the talks that the first one is scheduled to be delivered to Australia in December 2029.
The government of Australia, viewed by Japan as a “quasi-ally” and a key partner in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, said it will invest up to AU$20 billion (US$14.4 billion) over 10 years on the development of the new fleet.
The ministers, who previously met in Tokyo on April 8, also signed a document pledging close coordination to ensure the project proceeds smoothly.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
