Japan, Australia look to cooperate on long-range missile capability

Japan and Australia agreed Wednesday they will enhance cooperation on long-range missile capabilities, in their latest efforts to cope with China’s expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles also shared concerns about Chinese military activities that could “further escalate tensions in the region,” including the violation of Japanese airspace by a Chinese spy plane last week, Kihara told reporters after their meeting in Melbourne.

Kihara and Marles shared the view that they will continue to foster cooperation toward Japan’s acquisition of counterstrike capabilities — the ability to hit enemy bases should the need arise — and Australia’s acquisition of long-range missiles, according to a statement from the Japanese Defense Ministry.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara (L) and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles shake hands in Melbourne on Sept. 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Japanese Defense Ministry)(Kyodo)

Talks have been underway between the two nations for Tokyo to use Australia’s vast continent as a testing ground for Japanese missiles that are under development, government sources said earlier this year.

Kihara is believed to have raised Japan’s bid to join Australia’s planned development of a new warship in the meeting, as Tokyo pushes for cooperation on defense equipment and technology with like-minded countries.

The Japanese minister said the Australian side has “expressed interest” in Japanese destroyers, adding Tokyo is “providing information” on the matter. But he refrained from sharing any details.

According to Japanese government sources earlier this week, Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to offer a prototype based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s cutting-edge Mogami-class destroyer in the potential joint development of a frigate with the Australian Navy.

The two ministers also confirmed that intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance activities as well as joint training exercises between their countries’ forces have been progressing under a reciprocal access agreement that came into effect in August last year.

Kihara and Marles will join Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong for a “two-plus-two” security meeting on Thursday.

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