Australia–Japan Space and Cyber Forum highlights growing partnership:
Canberra’s role as a hub for advanced technology and international collaboration was on display this week at the Australia–Japan Space and Cyber Forum, hosted at the Canberra Cyber Hub.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, researchers and technology companies from Australia and Japan to discuss the rapidly expanding intersection between space technology, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as quantum and artificial intelligence.
Opening the forum, speakers highlighted Canberra’s unique strengths as a knowledge economy driven by universities, research institutions and advanced technology industries. The ACT’s strong cyber security ecosystem and growing space sector were repeatedly emphasised as key reasons international partners increasingly look to Canberra as a place for collaboration.
A central address was delivered by Isamu Yamaguchi, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in Australia, who outlined Japan’s rapidly evolving strategy in both cybersecurity and space.
Minister Yamaguchi emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue but a core pillar of national security and economic resilience. Japan recently passed landmark legislation enabling a more proactive cyber defence approach to counter emerging threats and protect critical infrastructure.
He also highlighted Japan’s ambitious vision for its space industry, which aims to expand to ¥12 trillion (Approximately A$108 billion). in value by 2030 and generate around 100,000 jobs through satellite technology, space exploration and commercial space services.
Importantly, Minister Yamaguchi stressed that the future of space security is inseparable from cybersecurity.
“Space systems depend heavily on cyber networks,” he noted, warning that cyber-attacks on satellite systems could disrupt communications, navigation and critical infrastructure.
The Minister emphasised that Australia and Japan share common democratic values and strategic interests, and that cooperation between the two countries will be essential to strengthening security and technological capability across the Indo-Pacific.
Existing collaboration already includes intelligence sharing, joint cyber exercises and satellite data cooperation, including the use of Japanese Earth-observation satellites to support Australian bushfire monitoring.
Looking ahead, several areas of future cooperation were identified, including:
• quantum-secure satellite communications
• AI tools for space situational awareness
• joint research partnerships
• public-private collaboration in emerging technologies
• regional capacity building across the Indo-Pacific
The forum also showcased Canberra-based technology companies developing innovative solutions for national security and cyber resilience.
Demonstrations included supply-chain authentication technologies, drone detection systems and cyber security services supporting defence and critical infrastructure.
Participants agreed that Canberra’s growing ecosystem — spanning government, industry and academia — places the city in a strong position to become a regional centre for cyber, space and advanced technology collaboration.
As the Australia–Japan strategic relationship continues to deepen, the discussions highlighted how partnerships between the two countries will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of security and innovation in the Indo-Pacific.
