Canberra, Tokyo extend defense cooperation with Japanese hypersonic missile tests in Australia
Agence France-Presse
Japan will test hypersonic missiles and other projectiles in Australia as the nations deepen defense cooperation, including with a codeveloped laser system.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the deal would see a “better and enhanced arrangement between Australia and Japan for Japan’s use of our missile ranges over the course of 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,” he said in August 2026.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi welcomed the measure.
“If the Japan Self-Defense Forces are able to conduct test launches of standoff missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development,” he said. “We will therefore accelerate discussions toward realizing this objective.”
Canberra and Tokyo are increasing defense cooperation as China expands its military and increases gray zone coercion in the East China and South China seas. The nations in April 2026 signed an agreement for Australia to acquire a fleet of stealth frigates over the next decade in one of Japan’s biggest defense export deals since World War II. The first ship is expected to be delivered to Canberra in 2029.
Marles and Koizumi said the countries also will cooperate on a defense project called Boobook, featuring a laser system to detect potential threats. The laser has completed field trials in South Australia, the Australian Defence Department stated.
The project, named for an Australian owl that sees in the dark, includes “enhanced laser capability that can be put on land combat platforms as well as littoral platforms,” Marles said.
