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Japan-Australia-India defense cooperation expansion

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2026-08-18 12:31 UTC → 2026-08-18 13:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Japan is expanding its defense cooperation with Australia and India. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi scheduled visits to Australia and India to discuss weapons supply, joint research, and development. In Australia, discussions centered on the acquisition of Mogami-class frigates, a project valued at approximately $6.4 billion. The agreement involves constructing the first three ships in Japan, with subsequent vessels built in Australia using Japanese technology. Following these discussions, Japan and Australia announced an agreement allowing Japan to conduct hypersonic missile and projectile tests on Australian soil. The two nations are also collaborating on the ‘Boobook’ defense project to develop a laser system for threat detection. Recent developments in Canberra between Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Minister Koizumi have formalized these ties. Japan has been granted permission to use Australian missile ranges to test various technologies, including hypersonic missiles, over the next decade. Additionally, Australia is moving forward with a major contract to acquire Upgraded Mogami-class stealth frigates from Japan, a deal valued at approximately 10 billion Australian dollars, with the first vessel expected to arrive by 2029. In India, talks focused on expanding defense industry cooperation, joint drone development, and the potential for a 2+2 foreign and defense ministers' meeting. This follows a recent co-development agreement regarding the UNICORN naval radio antenna system. Minister Koizumi continues to engage with India regarding defense equipment, military technology, and maritime security to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

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