Japan and Indonesia have agreed to initiate working-level discussions regarding the potential export of Asagari-class destroyers to Indonesia. This agreement was reached during talks between Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Tokyo. Japan, aiming to enhance defense equipment cooperation with security partners, has been easing restrictions on the export of lethal weapons since April. Indonesia has expressed interest in advancing cooperation in defense equipment and technology, including the transfer of general-purpose Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyers.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence stated that the two countries have agreed to start discussions in a working group on defense equipment and technology cooperation, focusing on the transfer of Asagiri-class destroyers and other equipment. The ministers plan to strengthen Japan-Indonesia cooperation through this initiative. They have established a working-level framework to facilitate discussions on this matter, which was set up in May.
In a recent development, Japan proposed the potential export of its advanced Mogami-class frigate to New Zealand. This proposal was put forward during a trilateral meeting involving the defense ministers of Japan, New Zealand, and Australia at the Shangri-La Dialogue regional security forum in Singapore. The ministers emphasized their commitment to closer defense cooperation following Tokyo’s relaxation of rules on defense equipment exports.
Japan and Australia have previously announced the signing of contracts to jointly deliver three ships to the Australian Navy, based on the upgraded Mogami-class frigate. These collaborative efforts signify a step towards enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations.
