Defence minister to visit Japan

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews will visit Japan this week to discuss Australia's submarine replacement project.

During his first visit to Japan as defence minister, Mr Andrews will meet with his counterpart Gen Nakatani and tour the Kawasaki-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries commercial shipyard in Kobe.

"For Australian industry to have the best opportunity to maximise their involvement in the Future Submarine Program they need to work with an international partner," Mr Andrews said in a statement on Monday.