The formalised deal offers Canberra a strategic alternative to uncertain US defence ties, analysts say
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.
aukusaukus allianceaustraliacanberrachinadefencediplomacydonald trumpgermanyinstitute of geoeconomicsiranjapanmitsubishi heavy industriesmogami-classnational defence strategyroyal australian navyshinjiro koizumitokyounited statesunited states studies centre
