Japan, Australia, New Zealand to Enhance Defense Equipment Cooperation

Singapore, May 30 (Jiji Press)--The defense ministers of Japan, Australia and New Zealand at their meeting in Singapore on Saturday agreed to strengthen the three nations' cooperation regarding defense equipment, having China, which is expanding maritime activities, in mind.

It was the first time for the three countries to hold a meeting of their defense ministers.

"This is a very important opportunity for prosperity, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at the beginning of the meeting with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts, Richard Marles and Chris Penk.

Japan and Australia have already decided to jointly develop a next-generation frigate for the Australian navy based on an upgraded model of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class frigate. The new frigate will be jointly produced by the two countries.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has picked the improved Mogami frigate and a British warship as candidates for its next-generation frigate. A decision is expected to be made by the end of 2027.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]