Australia and Japan Sign Defence Technology Accord

Australia’s first cooperative defence science and technology project with Japan is the Marine Hydrodynamics Project. (image : Aus DoD)

Defence Minister David Johnston hails defence science and technology accord with Japan

Defence Minister David Johnston has hailed as “an important milestone” the signing today of an agreement with Japan deepening bilateral defence science and technology cooperation.

Australia’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Tony Abbott MP, and Japan’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr Shinzo Abe, signed the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan Concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology at a ceremony in Canberra today, attended by the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. David Johnston.

“This is an important milestone in the Australia-Japan defence relationship, and an integral part of the broader efforts to strengthen our strategic partnership,” Senator Johnston said.

The Agreement will facilitate deeper bilateral defence science, technology and materiel cooperation, allowing Australia and Japan to work together more closely to identify potential areas of future research interest and mutual benefit.

The Australia-Japan defence relationship, which is based on shared values and interests, continues to represent an important contribution to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. Security and defence ties between Australia and Japan have grown considerably since the 2007 signing of the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.

“This Agreement is an important milestone in Australia’s defence relationship with Japan and will underpin broader efforts to deepen our practical defence engagement,” Prime Minister Abbott said at the signing ceremony at Parliament House.

Australia’s first cooperative defence science and technology project with Japan is the Marine Hydrodynamics Project. The main work on this project will be conducted by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Japan’s Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI).

“Japan is a country world renowned for its defence science and technology capabilities,” Senator Johnston said, adding: “The Marine Hydrodynamics Project is a welcome first step in defence science, technology and materiel cooperation for Australia and Japan.”

(Aus DoD)