Japan and Australia have signed an agreement to jointly study marine hydrodynamics, research that is vital for building quiet submarines.
The collaborative research program will be undertaken by Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group and Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency.
Chief defence scientist Alex Zelinsky said understanding hydrodynamics was vital for the future of Australia's maritime defence.
While Japan is one of three contenders for Australia's next generation submarines, this research has nothing to do with that program, he said.
"Our defence scientists are very excited at the prospect of working with their Japanese counterparts and look forward to achieving some innovative outcomes for Australia's maritime defence," he said in a statement.
