Northern Territory strengthens defence and economic ties with Japan

The Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says the arrival of the Japanese frigate JS Yahagi to Darwin reinforces the Northern Territory’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and will strengthen defence and economic ties with Japan.

Commanding officer of the JS Yahagi meets with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro

The Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says the arrival of the Japanese frigate JS Yahagi to Darwin reinforces the Northern Territory’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and will strengthen defence and economic ties with Japan.

Ms Finocchiaro, said the visit highlights Darwin’s growing importance as a regional hub for defence co-operation, joint exercises, and security engagement.

Japan’s growing presence in the Top End is a result of the Australia–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement, which enables greater cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

“Darwin continues to play a vital role in regional and global defence partnerships, and the visit of JS Yahagi showcases our importance to peace in the Indo-Pacific ,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“Japan is not only our largest trading partner, but also a trusted regional partner. We welcome their increased engagement in the Territory and look forward to expanding our cooperation across defence, energy and infrastructure.

“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.

Commanding officer of the JS Yahagi meets with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro

“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. Later this year, I will travel to Japan to continue advancing this important work.”

In November 2024, the Chief Minister met Japan Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani as part of a historic trilateral Defence Ministers’ meeting between Australia, Japan, and the United States, where it was announced the ADF, JSDF’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and US Marine Corps would conduct annual trilateral amphibious training in Northern Australia from 2025.

Japan is also a critical trade and investment partner for the Northern Territory, accounting for $6 billion in exports in 2023–24, primarily through the INPEX Ichthys LNG Project, which supplies around 10 per cent of Japan’s energy needs.

Originally published as Northern Territory strengthens defence and economic ties with Japan