Australia-Japan Laser Trials Advance Defence Manufacturing Collaboration

Australia and Japan have completed field trials of a jointly developed high-energy laser system, marking a new step in bilateral defence technology cooperation and supporting plans for advanced manufacturing in Australia.

The Boobook project was developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). The prototype laser system was tested at the Cultana Training Area in South Australia and at DSTG Edinburgh.

The Australian Government said the trials generated technical insights into the system’s design and operating requirements, which will support further development and potential future commercialisation.

Joint Development Supports Advanced Defence Technology

Boobook builds on more than 20 years of research and development by DSTG and is intended to support future surveillance capabilities.

The trials also demonstrated the ability of Australian and Japanese organisations to jointly develop advanced defence technologies and conduct multinational testing in Australia.

Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the project reflects the expanding defence industrial partnership between Australia and Japan, alongside opportunities for both countries to work together on advanced technology development.

The project follows commitments made by the Australian and Japanese governments in May 2026 to strengthen defence and security cooperation.

Manufacturing Capability to Expand in Australia

Manufacturing is expected to become a larger part of the Boobook programme as Mitsubishi Electric Australia prepares new facilities at Rydalmere in New South Wales.

The company is investing A$70 million to establish a new MEA Defence Division, creating infrastructure that could support future large-scale manufacturing of defence technologies in Australia.

The investment is also expected to provide the Australian Defence Force with greater access to Mitsubishi Electric defence technologies.

According to the Australian Government, the programme could support opportunities across advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and workforce development.

Strengthening Australia’s Defence Industrial Base

The Boobook programme reflects Australia’s broader effort to expand domestic capabilities in advanced defence manufacturing.

Joint technology development can provide Australian manufacturers and engineering teams with greater exposure to specialised production methods, technical knowledge and international defence supply chains.

The project also demonstrates how defence partnerships are increasingly extending beyond equipment procurement into local manufacturing, research and industrial capability development.

As further development of the laser system progresses, potential manufacturing activity in Australia could strengthen local engineering expertise while supporting greater domestic involvement in advanced defence technologies.

For Australia and Japan, the trials represent another step towards deeper collaboration across defence research, technology development and industrial production.