Australia-Japan Frigate Deal Faces 3 Critical Challenges
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Australia and Japan signed a contract for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build three general-purpose frigates for Australia's SEA 3000 program. The deal faces challenges, including the integration of different systems and the risk of cost overruns and delays.
Australia and Japan signed a contract on April 18 for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to construct three general-purpose frigates for Australia's SEA 3000 program, worth up to AU$20 billion. The deal is a commercial contract between the Australian government and MHI, supported by both governments. The frigates will differ significantly from Japan's upgraded Mogami-class design, integrating different systems such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile and Naval Strike Missile. Integrating these systems will require significant modifications to the combat management system and ship design. Australia's Hunter-class frigate program has experienced cost overruns and delays due to design changes, casting a shadow over the SEA 3000 program. The Australia-Japan deal highlights deepening strategic alignment between the two US allies in the Indo-Pacific.
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