Japan, US to join efforts in developing hypersonic defense weapons
The Defense Ministers of Japan and the United States, Yasukazu Hamada and Lloyd Austin, agreed on cooperation in the field of defense technology. The cooperation includes joint research on creating systems against hypersonic weapons. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Japan following a joint meeting of ministers.
“The ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to intensify cooperation in the field of equipment and technology to ensure technological superiority,” the ministry said.
DF-17 self-propelled ballistic missile launchers with a hypersonic installation of the PRC. Photo credits: Chinese media
Also, based on progress in this direction, they are considering joint research on such technologies and components.
In addition, the parties agreed to intensify cooperation in the field of drones that can interact with manned aircraft. The ministers noted that information security and cyber security are crucial for bilateral defense cooperation. Hamada and Austin also emphasized the importance of strengthening intelligence capabilities, so Japan and the US will analyze data collected by both sides jointly.
Lloyd Austin and Yasukazu Hamada. September 2022. Japan.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Japan
At the meeting, the Japanese minister announced Tokyo’s plans to fundamentally strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, including obtaining means of counterattack against a potential adversary. The American side supported these intentions of Japan. Hamada and Austin echoed the two countries’ positions on a number of issues, including criticizing Beijing for conducting drills near the island of Taiwan in early August, when several missiles landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
They also condemned Russia and promised to continue supporting Ukraine, and also emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation with South Korea regarding North Korea.
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