Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia under new deal

Australia and Japan have agreed to conduct hypersonic missile tests on Australian soil, as part of a new defense cooperation deal. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the development, stating that the agreement would enhance Japan's use of Australian missile ranges over the next decade.

Marles added that Australia has previously provided strategic depth to Japan in various areas, and the missile range use is another such area. 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 are also deepening their military cooperation, including a co-developed laser system for threat detection, dubbed the Boobook project, in honor of an Australian owl known for its nocturnal vision.