Australia to Sign Multibillion-Dollar Deal for Japanese Warships

Australia is set to sign a multibillion-dollar contract to buy advanced naval frigates from Japan, sealing a deal that will help modernize its navy, boost Tokyo’s ambitions of becoming a major player in the global defense market and deepen security ties between the two countries.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi will take part in a signing ceremony in Melbourne on Saturday, according to an Australian government spokesman.