He added that the upgraded version requires some 90 crew members, about half the size conventionally needed for a similar ship, making it possible to reduce costs equivalent to 30 per cent of the hull’s price.
Other participants included officials from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., including Chairman Seiji Izumisawa.
Last year, the Japanese government established a public-private joint committee to engage in activities to win the Australian frigate deal.
Earlier this year, the Maritime Self-Defence Force dispatched the Noshiro and Yahagi, both Mogami-class frigates, to Australia.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]