Mitsubishi Electric to Develop Laser Capability for Australian Ministry of Defence

Australian Defence Ministry and Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) have joined forces to develop an advanced laser capability aimed at bolstering the surveillance and survivability of Australian Defence Force platforms.

The initiative, spearheaded by Defence’s Science and Technology Group, is set to be industrialized in collaboration with MEA and Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). This partnership combines over a decade of laser technology development by the Defence Science and Technology Group with MELCO's established track record in delivering electro-optic systems for defense applications.

The agreement paves the way for Defense and MEA to work together on developing capabilities and prototypes utilizing this technology. It will also facilitate MEA's access to MELCO's defense technologies relevant to the Australian Defence Force.

During this week’s Japan-Australia Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles and Japanese Minister of Defense, Kihara Minoru celebrated the first of its kind collaboration.