Australia to Enter Missile Defense Agreement with the United States and Japan
The move comes as Japan is likely to participate in technology sharing under the AUKUS pact.
Australia is enhancing military ties to counter a growing threat from Beijing in the Indo-Pacific. This involves partnering with Japan and the United States to strengthen a new air defense strategy.
Details on the specific technology included in the strategy have not been disclosed to the media due to its classified nature.
Within AUKUS’s four-pillar system, “pillar two” focuses on artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles, undersea capabilities, and quantum technologies.
“Recognizing Japan’s expertise and close bilateral defense partnerships with all three countries, we are exploring collaboration with Japan on advanced capability projects within AUKUS “pillar two,” stated Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps.
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No Formal Plans Yet: Australian PM
While the joint statement hinted at a potential alliance, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified on April 10 that there were no formal plans to expand the pact.
“The intention is to examine pillar two of AUKUS and evaluate project-by-project engagement,” Mr. Albanese explained.
He did mention that Japan is a “natural candidate for this to occur.”
“We’ve already strengthened our defense cooperation with Japan through agreements. However, there are no current plans to broaden AUKUS membership.”
