Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles plans to visit Japan early next month to inspect one of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class frigates, several sources said Monday.
On Aug. 5, the Australian government announced that it would adopt an upgraded version of the Japanese frigate as the platform for the Royal Australian Navy's 11 new frigates. Aiming to sign a formal contract with Japan next year, Canberra is negotiating prices.
The upgraded Mogami can be operated by a crew of about 90, which is half the number required for a conventional destroyer. Another key advantage is that the vessel can be equipped with a missile system compatible with that of the U.S. military.
Through his envisaged tour of a Mogami-class frigate at the MSDF's Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture, Marles, who doubles as the country's deputy prime minister, hopes to examine the vessel's performance and other features, the sources said.
In addition, Marles will attend a "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers from Japan and Australia to be held in Tokyo. In principle, Japan and Australia take turns hosting the annual meeting.
At this year's meeting hosted by Japan, the two sides are expected to discuss bilateral security cooperation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with China's increased activities in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas in mind.
As the Australian government has already announced that it will recognize a Palestinian state, it will likely call on Japan for cooperation on this.
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