The Australian Government has highlighted the successful field trials of a co-developed high-energy laser in South Australia as a milestone in defence collaboration between Australia and Japan, with the project also supporting plans for advanced manufacturing in Australia.
The Boobook project, developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), involved field testing a prototype laser system at the Cultana Training Area and DSTG Edinburgh.
In a news release, the government said the trials provided insights into the system’s design and technical requirements that will inform further development and potential commercialisation.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the project demonstrated the growing industrial relationship between the two countries.
“Boobook is more than a technology project. It is a practical example of the growing defence industrial partnership between Australia and Japan, as well as the opportunities that partnership creates for both nations,” Conroy said.
The project builds on more than 20 years of research and development by DSTG and is intended to support future surveillance capabilities. The government said the trials also demonstrated the ability of Australian and Japanese industries to jointly develop advanced technologies and conduct multinational testing in Australia.
Manufacturing is expected to become a larger component of the project as MEA establishes new facilities at Rydalmere in New South Wales ahead of potential large-scale manufacturing in Australia.
The government said the $70 million investment will establish a new MEA Defence Division, with the facilities expected to support future manufacturing opportunities and access to Mitsubishi Electric defence technologies for the Australian Defence Force.
Conroy described the investment as “a strong vote of confidence in Australia’s defence industrial future” and said it would support opportunities in “advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and workforce growth.”
The Boobook trials follow the Australian and Japanese governments’ May commitment to strengthen defence and security cooperation, with the project positioned as an example of how the partnership could extend into advanced defence technology and industrial development.
