diff --git a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/Java.java b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/Java.java
index 623a7c18e..ffe92cfad 100644
--- a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/Java.java
+++ b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/Java.java
@@ -314,6 +314,16 @@ public class Java extends Task {
         return getCommandLine().createModulepath(getProject()).createPath();
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Set the modulepath to use by reference.
+     *
+     * @param r a reference to an existing modulepath.
+     * @since 1.9.7
+     */
+    public void setModulepathRef(Reference r) {
+        createModulepath().setRefid(r);
+    }
+
     /**
      * Add a path to the upgrademodulepath.
      *