Japan will begin regular troop deployments to northern Australia as part of expanded military cooperation with Australia and the United States, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Sunday.
The collaboration will include Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade conducting joint exercises with U.S. Marines and Australian forces in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Darwin already hosts around 2,000 U.S. Marines for half of the year, underscoring heightened concern among allies over China’s growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Today, we are announcing regular deployments of Japan’s amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to Australia,” Marles said during a televised press conference in Darwin. He was joined by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.
“Having an opportunity for enhanced training with Japan and the U.S. is a fantastic step forward for our defense capabilities,” Marles added.
Strategic and Historical Significance
Darwin’s role in these deployments carries historical weight, as the city served as a key Allied base during World War II and endured heavy bombings by Japanese forces, often referred to as Australia’s “Pearl Harbor.”
The move also aligns with broader defense goals under the AUKUS partnership, which involves the U.S. and Britain assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to delivering the capabilities outlined in the agreement.
The joint exercises highlight the growing defense cooperation among allies in response to shifting security dynamics in the region.
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