Australia and Japan sign research agreement for undersea warfare

Australia and Japan have signed an agreement to enhance strategic capabilities in robotic and autonomous systems for undersea warfare.

The research project between Defence Science and Technology Group and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency is the first under a bilateral research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) arrangement signed in June 2023.

The inaugural research project will contribute to strategic capabilities in undersea communication and interoperability between Australia and Japan.

Australia and Japan share an increasingly strong Defence science and technology relationship underpinned by the Special Strategic Partnership and the updated Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, in 2022.

Quotes attributable to Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC

“Maintaining a technological edge in our rapidly changing strategic environment is vital."

“This is the first collaborative research project to be conducted under the bilateral RDT&E arrangement signed with Japan last year.

“It illustrates the increasingly strong Defence science and technology relationship shared by Australia and Japan. By partnering we deliver science and technology outcomes that we cannot achieve alone.

“This project will build a foundation for future joint research on robotic and collaborative autonomy, aiming to deliver advanced capabilities to support asymmetric advantage.”

Media note

Media will be able to access imagery of the signing at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20240056