TOKYO, Aug 18 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Japan and Australia have agreed to promote the creation of a mechanism that would allow Japanese forces to test launch hypersonic missiles in Australia, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday.
"If the Japan Self Defence Forces are able to conduct test launches of stand-off missiles, such as hypersonic missiles in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development," Koizumi said in a press conference after talks with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles.
The Australian defence minister confirmed that Tokyo and Canberra have agreed to develop a mechanism that would enable such test launches.
"We have agreed to progress a better and enhanced arrangement between Australia and Japan for Japan's use of our missile ranges over the next decade across a range of missile capabilities," Marles said.
Both defence ministers also reaffirmed their intention to continue talks on the implementation of this initiative.
Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Australia on Tuesday to expand bilateral security and defence partnership with Australia.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI