In a major breakthrough for Japan’s defense industry, Australia announced Tuesday that it will purchase 11 Japanese frigates in what will be Tokyo’s biggest-ever defense contract and a critical step for bilateral relations.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate proposed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) was assessed as the “best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force,” following a rigorous and competitive bidding process for the 10 billion Australian dollar ($6.48 billion) project.

“The Mogami-class frigate is the best frigate for Australia,” he told reporters.