The Australian and Japanese defence chiefs on Tuesday discussed strengthening cooperation in military training, operations and technology sharing as the two countries deepen their strategic and defence relationship.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said he held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi, highlighting the “unique close relationship” between Australia and Japan and their shared vision for a safe and prosperous region.
"Japan and Australia have a unique close relationship built on strategic alignment and a shared vision for a safe and prosperous region. Today, we were able to strengthen that defence relationship further, collaborating even more closely across defence training exercises, operations and technology sharing," he said on X.
The talks come as Canberra and Tokyo expand defence industrial cooperation, including the development of advanced military technologies.
Australia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that successful field trials had been completed for Project Boobook, a jointly developed high-energy laser system tested in South Australia.
Testing of world-first prototype laser system
The project is the first co-development initiative between Australian and Japanese defence industries and involves Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, Mitsubishi Electric Australia, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The ministry called it "field testing of a world-first prototype laser system."
Officials said the prototype draws on more than 20 years of Australian research and could enhance surveillance capabilities.
Trials at the Cultana Training Area and DST Group Edinburgh provided technical insights for the next stages of development and potential commercialisation.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the project demonstrated the “growing defence industrial partnership” 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," said Conroy.
Mitsubishi Electric Australia is investing $70 million in new defence facilities in Rydalmere, New South Wales, to support advanced manufacturing, technology transfer, and future opportunities for the Australian Defence Force.
