U.S. State Department sees Japanese role in AUKUS defense pact

Japan would be a “capable participant” in the evolving U.S.-U.K.-Australia defense partnership because of its investments in advanced defense systems, industrial-base improvements and cybersecurity protocols, according to an unreleased U.S. State Department assessment to Congress.

Japan “expressed interest in a range” of projects underway as part of the second leg of the so-called AUKUS agreement that’s focused on technology-sharing, including “long-range anti-submarine warfare and autonomous air platforms,” according to the four-page document, a copy of which was made available to Bloomberg News.

The report, dated May 30, is labeled Sensitive But Unclassified. It is generally upbeat about Japan’s readiness to join the second leg, known as Pillar II, if invited. A spokesperson for Japan’s Defense Ministry told the military publication Janes in July that the nation’s military is interested in deepening participation in this stage, which involves assisting Australian efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine force.