Japan and Australia Agree on Hypersonic Missile Test Firing in Australia, "Boobook" Project Moves to Demonstration Phase

On August 18, in Canberra, the meeting between Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles lasted about an hour. What emerged from the joint press conference was a framework agreement to conduct live-fire tests, including Japan's Self-Defense Forces' stand-off missiles and hypersonic missiles, at Australian ranges over the next ten years. Marles stated, "Australia can provide Japan with strategic depth," to which Koizumi responded, "This is a groundbreaking development." The framework is still in the process of being formulated, and it is expected to take several years before operational deployment begins.

The Unfillable Gap in Japan's Ranges

In the first place, Japan's existing ranges and training areas lack the spatial capacity to conduct full-scale live-fire tests of stand-off missiles with a range of 1,000 kilometers. As the development of hypersonic glide missiles and the enhanced Type 12 missile progresses, obtaining live-fire data is crucial for the success of the development. Australia's vast ranges will fill this gap.

Japan-Australia's First Joint Development "Boobook"

At the same time, attention should be paid to the "Boobook" project. The field testing of a prototype high-energy laser by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group, Mitsubishi Electric, and Mitsubishi Electric Australia was successfully conducted in South Australia. This is the first joint development project between the defense industries of Japan and Australia, and it is envisioned to be mounted on both ground and coastal platforms. Mitsubishi Electric Australia has invested 70 million Australian dollars in the western suburbs of Sydney to begin the establishment of a mass production base.

Joint Construction of 11 Ships Based on the Mogami Class

During the talks, it was confirmed that there would be a joint development of 11 new ships for the Royal Australian Navy based on the Mogami-class frigate, with a total cost of 10 billion Australian dollars. The first three ships will be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, while the remaining eight will be constructed in Western Australia. Marles stated, "The first ship will be commissioned within the next decade."

From an Era of Exercises to an Era of Practical Sharing

In my view, this series of agreements indicates a qualitative change in Japan-Australia relations. We have moved from an era of exercises and information sharing to an era of "practical sharing," which includes mutual use of ranges, joint development of weapons, and joint construction of vessels. Japanese defense equipment will be tested live at overseas ranges, and the design of the Self-Defense Forces' vessels will become the mainstay of the Royal Australian Navy. This is an unprecedented situation, excluding the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Strategically, Australia is strengthening its role as Japan's rear area. From the perspective of maritime trade routes, Australia serves as a safe zone for supply, maintenance, and testing. The fact that the verification of counterstrike capabilities can be conducted on allied territory is also a geopolitical asset.

Remaining Questions

However, questions remain. The borrowing of ranges confirms Japan's limitation of not being able to conduct live-fire tests independently in times of crisis. As joint development progresses, the adequacy of export controls and technology transfer systems will be questioned. China will likely criticize this move as part of a containment strategy against it. However, the true challenge is not responding to criticism. While the ability to borrow ranges is a strength of the alliance, the underlying issue is "the autonomy of verification," a question that has yet to be discussed.