Military Cooperation To Be Strengthened With Australia

Australia and Japan have agreed to increase defense cooperation, with a focus on air force interoperability, reports the Japan Times.

During 2 + 2 talks between the foreign and defense ministers of both countries on Dec. 9 in Tokyo, the sides agreed to increase military cooperation and exchanges as well as trilateral security ties with the U.S.

Australia and the U.S. have encouraged Japan to increase its participation in defense initiatives in Australia, which could include troop and air force rotations to improve interoperability and alertness.

Rotational deployment of Japanese F-35 stealthy fighter jets and other advanced aircraft were discussed at the meeting, as well as expanding existing joint exercises and drills.

Japan and Australia further agreed to enhance cooperation on long-range weapons, air defense and undersea warfare and plan to increase aerial refueling cooperation between their air forces.

Japan is also considering allowing, for the first time, Australian F-35s to participate in next year's Bushido Guardian joint exercise.

The two countries have been strengthening bilateral ties of late, including signing a reciprocal access agreement in January.