Australia and Japan have successfully conducted field trials of a co-developed laser prototype in South Australia, further deepening defense ties between the two countries.
Project Boobook is a joint defense initiative to build a high-energy laser system designed to optically detect incoming threats on ground combat and littoral platforms. It was tested at the Cultana Training Area and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) Edinburgh.
The project involves Australia’s DSTG along with Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, marking the first co-development initiative between Australian and Japanese defense industries.
The Australian government said the trials provided insights into the laser system’s design and technical requirements, which will inform further development and commercialization.
Project Boobook
Named after an Australian owl “that can see very well in the dark,” the Boobook project supports Australia and Japan’s commitment to enhanced defense and security cooperation.
MEA is investing 70 million Australian dollars ($49.5 million) to establish new facilities in Rydalmere, New South Wales, in preparation for large-scale manufacturing in Australia.
Deepening Defense Ties
The successful laser trials come as Australia and Japan also agreed to progress arrangements for Japan’s use of Australian missile testing ranges.
“If the Japan Self-Defense Forces are able to conduct test launches of stand-off missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development, second only to similar cooperation with the United States,” Japanese defense minister Koizumi Shinjiro said in the press conference.
These developments mark another milestone in the two countries’ defense ties, following a multibillion-dollar deal inked in April that calls for Tokyo to deliver stealth frigates to Canberra.