IRIA News

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Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles hosted Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Canberra on August 18, 2026, for talks focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces and defense industries.

The ministers highlighted the close strategic relationship between Australia and Japan and their shared interest in regional peace and stability.

“We have to lead and commit to leading the region in our collaboration in defense to contribute to the Indo-Pacific region’s peace and stability,” Koizumi said.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Marles said the talks further strengthened cooperation across defense training exercises, operations and technology sharing.

Missile Testing Cooperation

A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement to work toward greater Japanese access to Australian missile test ranges.

Marles said Australia would accelerate discussions on providing Japan with enhanced access to its missile ranges over the next decade. The arrangements could allow Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to conduct test launches of stand-off missiles, including Japanese-developed hypersonic weapons.

“If the Japan Self-Defense Forces can conduct test launches of stand-off missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development, second only to similar cooperation with the United States,” Marles said.

Japan has previously launched surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles in Australia during joint exercises. However, those activities have not included testing Japanese missiles that are still under development.

Expanded access to Australian ranges would therefore give Japan additional opportunities to conduct development and testing activities while increasing the practical military cooperation between the two countries.

The defense ministers also discussed the progress of a new vessel being jointly developed for Australia, alongside broader cooperation in military training, operations and defense technology.

Joint Laser Project

The meeting came as Australia and Japan announced the successful completion of field trials for Project Boobook, their first joint defense-industry co-development initiative.

The high-energy laser system was developed by Australia’s Defense Science and Technology Group, Mitsubishi Electric Australia and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Trials were conducted in South Australia at the Cultana Training Area and DSTG Edinburgh.

Australian officials said the project builds on more than 20 years of research and development by the Defense Science and Technology Group and could support future surveillance capabilities.

Richard Marles said the system provides an enhanced laser capability that could be used on land combat platforms and littoral platforms, potentially allowing incoming threats to be detected optically while improving protection and situational awareness. The government has not disclosed the laser’s power output or detailed operational specifications.

Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy described the project as an example of the expanding industrial relationship between the two countries.

“Boobook is more than a technology project. It is a practical example of the growing defence industrial partnership between Australia and Japan, as well as the opportunities that partnership creates for both nations,” Conroy said.

The project also has an industrial component. Mitsubishi Electric Australia is investing A$70 million, or about $50 million, in new facilities at Rydalmere in New South Wales to prepare for potential large-scale manufacturing and support advanced defense technology production in Australia.

The facilities are expected to support advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and workforce growth.

Defense Partnership Broadens

The discussions between Marles and Koizumi reflect a broader expansion of Australia-Japan defense cooperation beyond traditional military exercises.

The two countries are increasing cooperation across training, operations, technology development and the defense industry, while the planned access to Australian missile ranges could add a significant new element to their military relationship.

The Boobook program provides a practical example of their growing cooperation in advanced defense technology, while discussions over missile testing could give Japanese forces greater access to Australian testing infrastructure.

The defense chiefs’ meeting also comes amid continued efforts by both countries to strengthen their defense relationship and contribute to regional security.

Taken together, the agreements and projects discussed during the meeting point to a closer Australia-Japan defense partnership built around military cooperation, technology development, industrial collaboration and expanded testing opportunities.