Singapore/Tokyo ¨C Australia intends to keep modifications to its newly ordered fleet of Japanese-designed frigates to a minimum, ensuring they share a ¡°core DNA¡± with those operated by Tokyo to unlock unprecedented cross-border logistics and repair capabilities, the head of the country¡¯s Defence Force has said.
The move could prove a boon for Â鶹´«Ã½ defense industry, as it would allow domestic firms to play crucial roles in the ships¡¯ maintenance and repair throughout their lifespan.
Adm. David Johnston told The Japan Times in an exclusive interview that modifications to Australia¡¯s future Mogami-class frigates would be limited to ¡°the edges of the ship,¡± mainly sensitive communications systems and other equipment where export rules or national security requirements require localized variations.
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