Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia

Live updates

1. 24d ago

   Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia

   Japan will test hypersonic missiles and other advanced military technology in Australia, enhancing its military capabilities and deepening its alliance with Australia amid growing regional security concerns.

   Why it matters

   This development strengthens Japan's military cooperation with Australia, raising questions about regional stability and China's response. Japan's military expansion has raised concerns about its shift toward neo-militarism. The tests include hypersonic missiles, high-energy lasers, and missile range tests.

   What is confirmed

   • Japan's Defence Minister is Shinjiro Koizumi.
   • Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister is Richard Marles.
   • The tests were discussed at a press conference on August 18, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Japan's military expansion has raised concerns about its shift toward neo-militarism.

   What to watch next

   • China's response to the tests
   • The outcome of the hypersonic missile tests
   • Japan's future military cooperation with Australia
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.globaltimes.cn — Japan’s ‘quasi-alliance’ pursuit risks regional stability
   2. international.astroawani.com — Beijing urges S. Korea to remain neutral, calls on U.S. to drop ‘hostile’ N. Korea policy
   3. interestingengineering.com — US Navy exercises SPY-6 radar aboard its first 9700-ton next-gen destroyer
   4. english.dotdotnews.com — Opinion | What's wrong with Penny Wong and Australia's China policy?
   confidence 80%
2. 27d ago

   Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia

   Japan has agreed to test hypersonic missiles and other advanced military technology in Australia, strengthening their defense cooperation amid growing regional security concerns. The tests include hypersonic missiles, high-energy lasers, and missile range tests. This development enhances Japan's military capabilities and deepens its alliance with Australia.

   Why it matters

   The tests are part of Japan's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities in response to regional security challenges, particularly China's growing military presence in the Pacific. Australia and Japan have been increasing their defense cooperation in recent years, including joint military exercises and technology development.

   What is confirmed

   • Japan and Australia are conducting joint tests of hypersonic missiles and high-energy lasers.
   • The tests aim to enhance Japan's military capabilities and deepen its alliance with Australia.
   • Japan's defense minister recently visited Australia to discuss defense cooperation and meet with his Australian counterpart.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the hypersonic missile tests and their potential deployment.
   • Further details on the high-energy laser tests and their applications.
   • The response from China and other regional actors to the enhanced Japan-Australia defense cooperation.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. Taipei Times — Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia
   2. The Japan Times — Japan and Australia tout progress on high-energy laser and missile range tests
   3. The Guardian — Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia to meet Marles in wake of melon-gate controversy
   4. Breaking Defense — Australia, Japan test co-developed high-energy laser
   5. The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary site — Koizumi’s in Australia again. Japan is becoming less quasi, more ally
   6. The Independent — Japan’s defence minister heads to Australia amid ‘melongate’ controversy
   7. Bloomberg.com — Japan Agrees to Test Hypersonics, Other Missiles in Australia
   8. The Australian — Today’s News Headlines: Japan defence chief in Australia for warship talks
   9. The Japan News — Japan-Australia Defense Ministers Agree to Counter China’s Pacific Expansion with Closer Cooperation
   10. mod.go.jp — Japan Ministry of Defense
   confidence 90%