A “directed energy weapon” laser prototype under testing by the US Navy seen in January 2010. Japan and Australia are cooperating on a similar weapon, although the details of their “Project Boobook” laser remain unknown. (US Navy)

Why Japan and Australia Are Building Laser Weapons Together

Share this link on Facebook

Share this page on X (Twitter)

Share this link on LinkedIn

Share this page on Reddit

Email a link to this page

The two countries’ cooperation on “directed energy weapons” is notable because it has taken place without much input or guidance from the United States.

Australia and Japan have successfully field-tested a jointly developed high-energy laser system, marking an important step in the coordination of two Indo-Pacific allies, the Australian Ministry of Defence announced this week.

“Project Boobook,” as the laser effort was known, was developed by Australia’s Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Mitsubishi Electric Australia, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

The achievement matters beyond the laser itself. As the Ministry of Defence media statement explained, this is the first joint defense-development project undertaken by the defense industries of Australia and Japan,........

© The National Interest