Published • loading... • Updated
Japan to Test Hypersonic Missiles in Australia Under New Deal
The deal expands Japan’s access to Australian test ranges and advances a co-developed laser system, as both nations respond to rising regional tensions.
- On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced Japan will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil, deepening bilateral military cooperation.
- Australia and Japan have deepened military cooperation as they monitor a rising China and respond to United States pressure for increased regional defense spending; the remote Woomera site has become increasingly attractive for testing advanced weapons.
- Both nations announced successful trials of the Boobook project, a jointly developed high-energy laser system to detect missile threats. Officials also noted steady progress on Australia's $10 billion deal to acquire Japanese-designed Mogami frigates over 10 years.
- Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi insisted the recent "Melongate" controversy was not discussed during meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, after Tokyo accepted Australia's explanation for the remarks despite an Australian Federal Police investigation into leaked diplomatic correspondence.
- Describing the testing prospect as a "groundbreaking development," Koizumi noted it ranks second only to similar cooperation with the United States, positioning Australia as Tokyo's key strategic partner in advanced weapons testing.
Insights by Ground AI
22 Articles
22 Articles
Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia
Japan will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil, the two countries’ defense ministers said yesterday as they deepened military cooperation, including with a codeveloped laser system. Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles said alongside his Japanese c
·Taipei, Taiwan
Read Full Article
The pact intensifies relations between two key countries in the region, seeking a counterweight to China
·Madrid, Spain
Read Full Article
Both countries have concluded an agreement for Japanese forces to use "for the next decade" Australian testing fields for "diverse missile capabilities, including the hypersonic missile program"
·Madrid, Spain
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left3Leaning Right9Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Right
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Right
64% Right
L 22%
14%
R 64%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
