Japan Eyes Export of Mogami Frigates to New Zealand, Plans Trilateral Defense Talks with Australia

Japan is advancing steps to bolster defense cooperation with New Zealand and Australia. According to Kyodo News, Tokyo is considering a plan to export the Mogami-class frigate – one of the most modern warship classes of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – to New Zealand.

In addition, Japan is also expected to hold trilateral defense talks with Australia. These discussions aim to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid rising security challenges.

The plan to export Mogami frigates to New Zealand is seen as part of Japan's strategy to expand arms exports after the country relaxed regulations on the transfer of defense equipment.