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Australia, Japan Complete Boobook Laser Threat-Detection Trials

8/19/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Australia and Japan completed field trials of the laser Project Boobook in South Australia on 18 August 2026.
Trials at Cultana and DSTG Edinburgh showed the laser can detect threats to land and littoral platforms.
Mitsubishi Electric Australia is investing A$70 million to build a Rydalmere, New South Wales plant for Boobook production.

History

Historical Context

Developed in the 1990s, the Aegis BMD system recorded its first sea-based intercept in 2002 and equipped U.S., Japanese and Australian warships. In 2007 a joint US-Australian Aegis test validated laser-tracking across the Indo-Pacific, and 2026 Project Boobook trials in Australia, led by Mitsubishi Electric Australia and DSTG Edinburgh, seek to add laser detection for platforms; it has logged 46 successful intercepts in 55 attempts.

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Story summary

Australia and Japan completed field trials of the laser Project Boobook in South Australia on 18 August 2026.
Trials at Cultana and DSTG Edinburgh showed the laser can detect threats to land and littoral platforms.
Mitsubishi Electric Australia is investing A$70 million to build a Rydalmere, New South Wales plant for Boobook production.

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