Aug 18, Kathmandu - Japan and Australia are moving forward with plans to conduct hypersonic and other long-range missile tests on Australian soil, as part of expanding their defense cooperation in response to increasing regional security challenges. 

Following a meeting in Canberra between Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Shinzo Koizumi on Tuesday, arrangements are being made to facilitate Japanese missile testing in Australian military testing areas. Minister Marles emphasized that over the next decade, both countries aim to develop more advanced and structured cooperation, making it easier for Japan to utilize Australian missile testing facilities.

Marles highlighted that Australia can provide strategic depth to Japan in various domains, with testing facilities playing a crucial role. Minister Koizumi noted that if Japan's Self-Defense Forces can conduct hypersonic and other long-range missile tests in Australia, it would mark a significant milestone in Japan's defense development.

The discussions aim to accelerate joint efforts to enable such testing, amid China's growing military influence in the region. In recent years, Japan and Australia have expanded their defense cooperation, including a landmark defense export agreement last year—the largest since World War II—where Australia plans to spend nearly 1 billion Australian dollars over the next decade to acquire a fleet of stealth frigates from Japan. Both defence ministers also agreed on new collaborative projects.

One such project, named ‘Bubuk,’ involves the development of a laser system capable of identifying and countering potential threats, inspired by the Australian owl known for hunting in darkness. According to Minister Marles, this advanced laser technology will be adaptable for land-based military platforms and coastal defense.

The collaboration on hypersonic missile testing and laser technology signals a shift beyond traditional military drills and arms purchases, towards joint research, testing, and technological development. With China's increasing military activity and rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Japan and Australia are strengthening their defense capabilities through such partnerships to ensure regional stability.