Japan-Aussie aim is stealth-sub tech

TOKYO -- Japan and Australia agreed Wednesday to jointly develop stealth-submarine technology as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushes his country toward a more assertive global military role.

The submarine technology was a top item at talks among the nations' foreign and defense ministers in Tokyo and was included in an agreement to step up cooperation in defense equipment and technology.

Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said at a joint news conference after the talks that the ministers agreed to begin the research next year. It will focus on technology that is applicable to any vessel including submarines, he said, but declined to give further details.

Onodera and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida were joined by their Australian counterparts, foreign affairs' Julie Bishop and defense's David Johnston, at Wednesday's meeting. The four also agreed to strengthen military ties.

The research aims to develop faster submarines with reduced water resistance and quieter propellers, Japanese defense officials said earlier this week. But the joint research will not necessarily lead to the sale of Japanese submarines to Australia, which is exploring purchasing submarines from Germany and France as well.

The research, however, widens the possibility of Japan supplying military technology overseas. The Abe government in April eased Japan's self-imposed limits on military exports.

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