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Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia under new defense deal

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Japan will test hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil under a new defense cooperation agreement signed on Aug 18.
  • The deal allows Japan to use Australian missile ranges for testing over the next decade, deepening military ties between the two nations.
  • Both countries are increasing defense cooperation amid concerns over China's rising influence and US calls for regional allies to boost military spending.

Japan and Australia have significantly deepened their military cooperation, announcing on August 18 that Japan will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian territory. The agreement, signed by the defense ministers of both nations in Canberra, will allow Japan to utilize Australia's missile ranges for testing purposes over the next decade.

We have spoken previously about Australia being able to provide strategic depth to Japan across a range of areas, but one of them is the use of our ranges.

— Richard MarlesThe Australian Defence Minister explained the strategic benefits of the agreement.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the deal as an "enhanced arrangement" that provides "strategic depth" to Japan. His counterpart, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, hailed the measure as a "groundbreaking development" for the Japan Self-Defense Forces, stating that it would "accelerate discussions toward realizing this objective."

If the Japan Self-Defence Forces are able to conduct test launches of standoff missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development.

— Shinjiro KoizumiThe Japanese Defense Minister expressed enthusiasm for the new testing capabilities.

This move signifies a growing alignment between Canberra and Tokyo, driven by shared concerns over China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. It also comes at a time when the United States is urging its allies to increase their defense spending. The two nations have already bolstered their defense ties, notably with a 2025 agreement for Australia to acquire a fleet of stealth frigates from Japan, valued at A$10 billion over 10 years.

We will therefore accelerate discussions toward realising this objective.

— Shinjiro KoizumiThe Japanese Defense Minister outlined the next steps for implementing the agreement.

Further strengthening their collaboration, Marles and Koizumi also launched a new defense project named "Boobook," after an Australian owl known for its night vision. This initiative will focus on a co-developed laser system designed to detect potential threats, enhancing capabilities for both land and littoral platforms. The project aims to "enhance laser capability that can be put on land combat platforms as well as littoral platforms," Marles explained.

enhanced laser capability that can be put on land combat platforms as well as littoral platforms

— Richard MarlesThe Australian Defence Minister described the features of the co-developed laser system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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