Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia under new deal

Defence ministers from Australia and Japan announced a new deal on Tuesday that will allow Japan to test hypersonic missiles on Australian soil over the next decade. Richard Marles, Australia's deputy prime minister, and Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's defence minister, made the announcement in Canberra. Marles stated that the agreement would enhance Japan's use of Australian missile ranges for the next ten years, emphasizing that Australia can provide strategic depth to Japan in various areas, including missile range usage.

Koizumi welcomed the measure, calling it a groundbreaking development if Japan Self-Defense Forces can conduct test launches of standoff missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia. The two countries have been strengthening their military cooperation in response to the rise of China and the US's call for regional allies to invest more in their militaries.

Last year, Australia and Japan agreed on one of Japan's largest defence export deals since World War II, with Australia paying Aus$10 billion over the next decade for a fleet of stealth frigates. The new deal also includes a joint project called Boobook, named after an Australian owl with night vision capabilities. This project features a co-developed laser system designed to detect potential threats, which can be installed on both land and sea combat platforms.