Australia-Japan Joint Laser Test and Missile-Range Deal Deepen Defence Ties

On August 18, 2026, Australia and Japan completed the first field trials of Project Boobook, a high-energy laser prototype developed jointly by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). Trials were conducted at the Cultana Training Area and the DSTG Edinburgh facility in South Australia. The system is designed to optically detect incoming threats on land combat platforms and littoral vessels, enhancing surveillance and platform survivability.

Australia and Japan test high-energy laser The Defense PostAustralia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion Breaking Defense

The laser trial follows a broader expansion of Australia-Japan defence cooperation. In April 2026 the two governments signed a multibillion-dollar deal for three Mogami-class frigates, Japan’s largest post-World-War defence export. That same month Japan lifted its ban on lethal weapons exports, authorising sales to 17 partners, including Australia.

Australia, Japan Test First Joint Laser Weapon as Mitsubishi Plans $70M Production Plant The Defense PostTaipei Times

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced a ten-year arrangement that will allow Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to use Australian missile-test ranges for hypersonic and other stand-off missiles, making Australia the second foreign partner after the United States to host Japanese testing.

Taipei TimesAustralia, Japan Test First Joint Laser Weapon as Mitsubishi Plans $70M Production Plant Defense chiefs discuss Japan’s use of missile test sites in Australia The Defense Post

• Investment: MEA is committing A$70 million (?US$49.7 million) to a new defence manufacturing facility in Rydalmere, New South Wales, to produce the Boobook system.

Australia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion

• R&D History: The laser draws on more than 20 years of DSTG research.

Australia and Japan test high-energy laser

• Test Sites: Cultana Training Area and DSTG Edinburgh in South Australia.

The Defense Post

• Strategic Timeline: The missile-range arrangement is set for the next decade; the Boobook programme moves into its next development phase following the August 2026 trials.

Breaking Defense

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the laser project as “more than a technology project” and highlighted its role in addressing real capability needs for the Australian Defence Force.

Breaking Defense

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the prospect of Japan testing hypersonic missiles in Australia a “groundbreaking development,” noting that it would rank second only to similar cooperation with the United States.

Taipei Times

Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, emphasized that the Boobook project exemplifies the growing industrial partnership and will create opportunities for advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and workforce growth.

Australia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion

• “We have spoken previously about Australia being able to provide strategic depth to Japan across a range of areas, but one of them is the use of our ranges,” — Defence Richard Marles

Taipei Times

• “We have never been more strategically aligned,” — Defence Richard Marles

Australia, Japan Test First Joint Laser Weapon as Mitsubishi Plans $70M Production Plant

• “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,” — Pat Conroy

Australia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion

The joint laser trial demonstrates the first formal co-development of a defence system between the two nations, signalling deeper technical integration beyond traditional procurement. By hosting Japanese missile tests, Australia provides strategic depth for Japan’s emerging hypersonic capabilities, while Japan supplies advanced technology and investment to Australia’s industrial base. The arrangement aligns with the May 4 2026 commitment by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Sanae Takaichi to expand bilateral security cooperation.

Australia, Japan Test First Joint Laser Weapon as Mitsubishi Plans $70M Production Plant

• Manufacturing Expansion: The Rydalmere facility will begin large-scale production of Boobook components.

Australia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion

• Further Testing: Over the next decade, Japan will conduct test launches of hypersonic and other stand-off missiles from Australian ranges.

The Defense Post

• Program Development: Data from the August 2026 trials will inform the next phases of Boobook’s design, commercialisation and potential integration onto Australian naval and land platforms.

Australia and Japan test co-developed high-energy laser, linking new defence technology to $70 million manufacturing expansion