Tokyo’s Bold Move Aims to Secure Landmark Weapons Export
In a significant move, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is prepared to transfer full intellectual property (IP) rights to Australia for its Mogami-class frigate, if it wins the country’s General Purpose Frigate program. This is reportedly the result of a major push by the Japanese government, eager to secure what would be its first major weapons export since World War II.
A Turning Point for Japanese Defense
The potential sale marks a dramatic shift for Japan, which has maintained a strictly defensive posture for 80 years, focusing solely on supplying its Self-Defense Force. Sharing IP is often a contentious issue, but Japan hopes it will tip the scales in the Mogami’s favor.
IP Transfer: A „Role Model”
Sayako Sumomo, head of Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), believes that providing all of the Mogami’s IP could serve as a „quite a role model” for future Japanese military exports. A decision from Australia’s National Security Council is expected soon, pitting MHI against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
„How Serious the Government Is”
Sumomo stressed that a successful sale would demonstrate the Japanese government’s serious commitment to weapons exports, potentially paving the way for a Foreign Military Sales program.
Australia’s Concerns
Experts say that Australia’s Navy and Defense Ministry are primarily concerned with on-time and on-budget delivery of the first ships, and the overall risk involved in integrating the new ships into the Australian fleet.
A „Significant Sign of Movement”
Euan Graham, an expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), sees the IP offer as a „significant sign of further movement in Japan’s favor.” Peter Dean of the US Studies Center in Sydney agrees, noting that it demonstrates Japan’s long-term strategic partnership approach.
„Speed to Capability”
Graham believes that „speed to capability” is crucial for the program, with a guaranteed delivery of the first ship in 2028 giving Japan a major advantage. Osamu Nishiwaki of ATLA expressed confidence in MHI’s ability to transfer shipbuilding technology to Australian shipyards.
Integration is Key
However, Jennifer Parker, a naval expert at the University of New South Wales, argues that the most important criteria are not capabilities or IP, but how quickly and effectively the winning frigate can be integrated into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). With Australia’s surface combatant fleet dwindling, rapid integration is paramount.
Commonality vs. Capability
Parker suggests that while the Mogami is more capable, Japan’s lack of experience integrating weapons into another country’s military could create risks. She believes that „commonality of equipment, the integration of the supply chain and does it operate similarly to way we currently operate our ships” is more important to the RAN. This might favor TKMS, which has a long history of exporting warships and providing Meko A-200 ships to other nations. Parker concludes that, based on publicly available information, the best choice is not yet clear.
