According to Japanese media reports, the Australian government recently announced that it has accepted a bidding proposal from Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to purchase 11 new frigates from Japan, with a total amount of approximately AUD 10 billion (approximately USD 6.5 billion). According to the plan, both parties will sign a formal contract in 2026, and the first ship is expected to be delivered in 2029. According to reports, this is Japan's first large-scale export of finished weapons and equipment to foreign countries. The Australian Navy announced in February 2024 that it plans to purchase a batch of modern new frigates to replace the existing 8 ANZAC class frigates, ultimately choosing the improvement plan based on the top-level frigate proposed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan. The Australian side stated that the choice of this plan is based on multiple factors. In terms of performance, Australia has selected a new type of frigate based on the improvement of the highest level frigate, with a range of 10000 nautical miles and a stealth design; Equipped with a 32 unit vertical launch system, it can carry up to 128 anti-aircraft missiles, which is four times the number of missiles that can be carried by ANZAC class frigates. The ship only requires 90 crew members, which is significantly less than the 170 personnel of the ANZAC class frigates and helps optimize the manpower configuration. At the same time, the ship is compatible with the American made Tomahawk cruise missile, and its combat system is compatible with the US and Japanese fleets, making it easy to achieve coordinated operations during wartime. In addition, Japan has promised that after the delivery of the new frigate, it can operate for more than 300 days a year, which will help improve the combat readiness of the Australian Navy. From the perspective of delivery speed, Japan has promised to shorten the delivery time. The first batch of three new frigates will be produced domestically in Japan, and it has been clarified that "Australian orders will take priority over Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force orders" to alleviate the pressure of upgrading Australian naval vessels. From the perspective of technology transfer, Japan has committed to having Australian domestic military companies responsible for the production of the remaining 8 new frigates from 2030 onwards. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries also plans to expand its investment in Australia around the production of frigates and related technology cooperation, with an expected creation of 10000 high skilled jobs for Australia. In addition, Japan has proposed to transfer modular construction technology to ensure a 40% participation rate for Australian companies and provide 40 years of technical support for subsequent maintenance. Japan's acquisition of the next generation frigate purchase order from Australia this time is the result of its continuous promotion of foreign military sales. Through this cooperation, Japan has achieved large-scale export of finished weapons and equipment, reflecting its deep planning in military expansion and geopolitical strategy. One is to break through the arms export restrictions that have lasted for nearly 80 years. In recent years, Japan has continuously made policy adjustments and promoted foreign military sales, making it more active in the international military trade market. In 2023, Japan will export air defense radar systems to the Philippines, breaking through the export restrictions on finished weapons for the first time, and taking even greater strides in arms sales to Australia this time. Japan intends to use this billion dollar order to activate its domestic military industry and change the current situation of small scale and high production costs of its military enterprises. On the basis of this transaction, Japan may further expand its market share in international arms sales and promote the comprehensive export of lethal weapons. Secondly, deepen the interoperability of weapons between Japan, the United States, and Australia. Japanese Defense Minister Motonari Nakatani said that this move is a "leap forward in the strategic partnership between Japan and Australia". Analysis suggests that this reflects Japan's intention to trade technology for influence and leverage the geopolitical landscape through the export of weapons and equipment. Japan deliberately strengthens the interoperability with the US Japan weapon system in the design of the plan, aiming to promote the compatibility of the US Japan Australia trilateral combat system through equipment exports and build an "alliance fleet". In recent years, with the support of the United States, Japan has sought to involve Australia in maritime affairs in the Asia Pacific region under the pretext of addressing regional security threats. Japan intends to create conditions for reshaping regional order and seeking benefits by building military alliances. Thirdly, create public opinion for the normalization of military affairs. In recent years, there has been a continuous call for Japan to promote "military normalization" in the defense field, but the domestic and international response has been limited. The successful arms sales to Australia this time may further strengthen the demands of conservative political forces in Japan. In the short term, it may use this as an excuse to continuously revise the legitimacy and rationality of the "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment", and accumulate discourse power for subsequent amendments to the peace constitution and breaking free from the constraints of post-war order to become a so-called "normal country". (New Society)