Japan and Australia bolster defense partnership with hypersonic missile tests
Japan’s and Australia’s defense ministries announced that Tokyo will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil, as the two countries strengthen their military cooperation, which also includes jointly developing a high-energy laser system.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, during a visit by his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba to Canberra, said the agreement would contribute to “better arrangements between Australia and Japan regarding the use of Australian missile test ranges by Tokyo over the next decade.” He added, “We have previously discussed Australia’s ability to provide strategic depth for Japan in a range of areas, including the use of our test ranges.”
For his part, Ishiba welcomed the move, stating, “If the Japan Self-Defense Forces are able to conduct launch tests of long-range missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be an unprecedented development.” He added, “We will therefore accelerate discussions to achieve this goal.”
The two ministers also confirmed their countries’ cooperation on a new defense project named “Pooka,” after an Australian owl known for its ability to see in the dark. The project includes a jointly developed laser system designed to detect potential threats. Marles said the project involves “a developed laser system that can be mounted on land-based combat platforms, as well as on coastal platforms.”
On another front, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba considered cooperation with South Korea and the United States “vital” for regional security. Ishiba expressed strong support for joint security cooperation with Washington, Japan’s principal defense ally, as well as with neighbor Seoul. He told reporters, “In facing the harshest and most complex security environment since the post-war period, cooperation among Japan, the United States, and South Korea is vital for the peace and stability of the region.”
For his part, the Australian defense minister said his country “is deeply concerned about North Korea’s nuclear program as well as its missile program, and we have consistently emphasized this point.”
Notably, Australia and Japan have deepened their defense cooperation at a time when the United States is urging its allies to increase their military spending. As part of this rapprochement, Japan last year approved one of its largest defense equipment export deals since World War II, under which Australia will pay 10 billion Australian dollars (6 billion US dollars) over the next ten years to acquire a fleet of stealth frigates.
