Japan, Australia agree to joint research on submarines, hydrodynamics
Kosuke Takahashi, Tokyo - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
06 April 2014
The prime ministers of Japan and Australia agreed on 7 April to start talks on creating a framework for co-operation on defence equipment and technology.
Shinzo Abe and Tony Abbott agreed in talks in Tokyo that the two countries' first bilateral defence technology project will involve joint research into marine hydrodynamics, a joint statement said.
An official at the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) told IHS Jane's said this would include the analysis of propulsion and water resistance around submarine hulls.
Abe and Abbott also confirmed that the two countries would hold '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial talks in Tokyo in June and work together to upgrade the interoperability of their respective defence organisations and to expand practical military co-operation, including joint drills.
The MoD and the Australian Department of Defence plan to exchange memorandums to start the joint research soon. The researchers, from Japan's Technical Research and Development Institute and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation, will also examine improving propulsion efficiency through ship geometry and innovations in reducing propeller volume.
Both governments also reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral alliance framework of Japan, Australia, and the United States in the light of increasing Chinese military activities in the East China and South China seas.
COMMENT
The announcement on bilateral defence technology co-operation comes hot on the heels of the 1 April Cabinet approval for Japan's new guidelines on defence equipment exports.
Australia has previously expressed interest in adopting Japanese propulsion technology used in the 4,200-tonne Soryu class in its Collins-class replacement fleet. However, Japanese MoD sources suggest that this submarine technology is seen as too sensitive, so a decision was made to start joint research on marine hydrodynamics instead.
"The decision to start discussions on submarines appears to reflect Australia's domestic concerns," the MoD official said.
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