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 91AV原创 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.