Core Viewpoint - Japan and Australia are enhancing their defense cooperation, particularly through the procurement of Japan's "Maya" class destroyers, which reflects a strategic alignment with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and raises regional tensions [1][4]. Group 1: Defense Cooperation - Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani accompanied Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Marles to inspect the "Maya" class destroyer at the Yokosuka base, indicating a deepening defense relationship [1][3]. - The Australian Navy plans to procure 11 new destroyers by February 2024, with an estimated investment of 111 billion AUD (approximately 70 billion USD), aiming for a collaborative development approach [3]. - The recent "2+2" talks between Japan and Australia marked a significant elevation in defense cooperation, with both parties expressing intentions to enhance defense industrial collaboration [4]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The collaboration between Japan and Australia is seen as part of a broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region, aligning with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy [4]. - Japan is advancing its military capabilities, including hypersonic missiles and aircraft carrier modifications, while Australia is developing nuclear submarines under the AUKUS pact [4]. - Experts suggest that this partnership not only escalates tensions in the Asia-Pacific region but also reveals the willingness of both nations to act as proxies for U.S. interests in the ongoing U.S.-China strategic competition [4].

澳大利亚国防部8月5日宣布,已选定升级后的日本"最上"级护卫舰作为澳海军新一代护卫舰,计划斥资100 亿澳元(约合467.8亿元人民币)建造11艘。这标志着日本战后开启具有杀伤能力的大型武器装备出口,在 军事冒险的道路上迈出危险一步。 过去一年多来,澳大利亚一直在为其新护卫舰采购计划寻找选项,日本、西班牙、韩国和德国的舰艇均进 入候选之列。为了能在竞标中击败德国多用途标准护卫舰的低成本研发方案,日本政府集合相关职能部 门与三菱重工等企业成立官民联合委员会,向澳大利亚推出基于日本海上自卫队"最上"级护卫舰的研发 方案。 "最上"级护卫舰标准排水量3900吨,乘员约90人,不到传统舰艇人数的一半。该级护卫舰更加注重隐形设 计,舰身外观更加平滑,不易被雷达捕捉,朝向天空的圆柱形复合天线是其一大特征。该舰强调水雷作战,航 空甲板下方设有任务舱,可容纳数十枚水雷,并搭载无人水面艇、无人潜航器等执行反水雷作战任务。 据报道,这批升级后的"最上"级护卫舰排水量6200吨,续航里程可达1万海里,配备32单元垂直发射系统,装 备防空和反舰导弹,并具有反潜作战能力。按照计划,澳大利亚采购的首批3艘护卫舰将在日本建造,其中 第一艘 ...

Group 1: Australia-Japan Defense Cooperation - Australia has decided to procure upgraded Japanese "Maya" class frigates, marking the largest defense industrial agreement between Australia and Japan [1] - The Australian government plans to spend 10 billion AUD over the next 10 years to acquire 11 frigates, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of the Australian Navy [1] - This procurement is part of a broader military restructuring to strengthen naval power and counter China's influence [1] Group 2: AUKUS Agreement and Public Sentiment - The Australian government faces significant public pressure regarding the AUKUS nuclear submarine procurement agreement, which involves spending over 368 billion AUD for 8 submarines by 2055 [2] - There are internal calls within the Australian Labor Party to reconsider or withdraw from the AUKUS agreement due to concerns over high costs and long-term uncertainties [2] - A recent poll indicates skepticism among Australians about the timely delivery of nuclear submarines, with only 6% believing it is "very likely" that the U.S. will deliver the submarines on schedule [3]

Core Points - The Australian Department of Defence has selected the upgraded Japanese "Maya" class frigate as the preferred option for its future naval fleet [1] - The decision aims to accelerate the development of a larger and more powerful surface combat fleet for the Australian Navy [1] - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is responsible for the development of the selected frigate, which is expected to meet Australia's defense capability and strategic requirements quickly [1] Procurement Process - The Australian Department of Defence will work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to advance the procurement process, aiming to sign a contract by 2026 [1] - The first batch will consist of three frigates built in Japan, with the first expected to be delivered in 2029 and operational by 2030 [1] - The remaining eight frigates will be constructed in Australia [1] Specifications - The "Maya" class frigates will replace the current "Anzac" class frigates in the Australian Navy [1] - Each frigate will have a crew of approximately 90 personnel, a displacement of 6,200 tons, and a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles [1] - The frigates will be equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system, anti-air and anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities [1]