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Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia
Taipei Times • • world
Key Points:
- Japan will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil as part of enhanced military cooperation between the two countries over the next decade.
- Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted Australia's role in providing strategic depth to Japan by allowing the use of its missile ranges for testing purposes.
- Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the ability to test standoff missiles like hypersonic missiles in Australia as a groundbreaking development and pledged to accelerate discussions on this objective.
- The defense partnership between Australia and Japan has grown amid concerns over China's rise and U.S. calls for increased regional military spending, including a A$10 billion deal for Australian acquisition of Japanese stealth frigates.
- The two countries also announced cooperation on Project Boobook, involving a codeveloped laser system designed to enhance threat detection on land and littoral combat platforms.
