JS Yahagi captain Commander Tamura Masayoshi with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro. Photo: supplied/NT Government
Japan’s decision to double its defence spending to US$70 billion by 2027 presents an economic opportunity for Northern Territory industry.
Chief Minister and Minister for Defence Lia Finocchiaro made the comment during a visit by the Japanese frigate JS Yahagi to Darwin last week.
“Darwin continues to play a vital role in regional and global defence partnerships. The visit of JS Yahagi showcases our importance to peace in the Indo-Pacific,” she says.
“Japan’s decision to double its defence budget by 2027, reaching around US$70 billion, presents major opportunities for Territory-based industries in defence, logistics, and infrastructure.
“Our government is committed to leveraging the Territory’s strategic location and strong international relationships to drive jobs and investment for Territorians, as part of our year of action, certainty and security.”
Finocchiaro says she will visit Japan later in the year to promote Territory defence, transport and industry.
“Japan is not only our largest trading partner but a trusted regional partner. We welcome their increased engagement in the Territory and look forward to expanding our co-operation across defence, energy and infrastructure.”
Japan accounted for $6 billion of NT exports in 2023–24, primarily through the INPEX Ichthys LNG Project, which supplies around 10% of Japan’s energy needs.
The JS Yahagi is the fifth Mogami-class frigate.
Australia is weighing up the Mogami-class, and Germany’s TMS MEKO A-200, frigates to replace its Anzac class in a deal worth up to $10 billion that will more than double the Navy’s surface combat fleet, the ADF says.
TOP END PRESENCE
This visit is the latest in a long history of Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force visits to Darwin.
Japan’s growing military presence in the Top End is part of the Australia–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement, which enables greater co-operation between the Australian Defence Force and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).
In November 2024, Finocchiaro met Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani during a defence ministers meeting between Australia, Japan and the US.
It was announced at the meeting that the ADF, Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and the US Marine Corps would conduct annual amphibious training in Northern Australia starting this year.
