(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
On November 25, the Government of Australia decided that it has shortlisted Japan and Germany as candidates for building next-generation general purpose frigates, selecting the 2024 version, an upgraded type, of Japan’s FFM “MOGAMI” class frigate as one of the final candidates. I am very pleased with this matter, as it is a sign of the great trust and appreciation that they have put into the equipment that brings together various aspects of Japan’s superior technologies. Going forward, if Japan is selected, we will transfer, to Australia, finished products and others that have been jointly developed and produced with Australia based on the 2024-class frigate. Accordingly, as we announced yesterday, November 28, to ensure Japan will be selected as a partner by Australia and realize the transfer in the future, we discussed projects that the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology could be applied to at the National Security Council (NSC) convened on November 27. We then confirmed that the transfer on the joint development and production of Australia’s next-generation general purpose frigates constitutes a project for which overseas transfer can be authorized. This project not only serves to further deepen cooperation between Japan and Australia, but also contributes to enhancing the capabilities of Japan’s vessels through joint development and production. In this respect, I consider it highly significant for Japan’s security. I recently visited an FFM “MOGAMI” class frigate in Yokosuka. It is a vessel equipped with a highly reliable weapons system and which can be operated with significantly less personnel than conventional vessels as a result of automation and labor-saving design. Moreover, it uses a highly efficient and safe platform with excellent stealth performance, and I am confident that the upgraded type 2024-class frigate will also be satisfactory and meet the high level of demands of the Royal Australian Navy. We aim to continue cooperating closely with the relevant ministries and agencies and working together through public-private partnership, to provide a great proposal for the final selection.