Japan, UK to enhance operational cooperation
In the first ever UK-Japan defence ministerial meeting, the two ministries agreed to enhance operational cooperation, the UK government announced on 21 January.
The meeting involved UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon along with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.
The ministers shared the view that the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is an important pillar in the framework of security cooperation between the two countries. They instructed that the ACSA be concluded as early as possible.
The ministers welcomed the identification and launch of joint defence equipment and technology projects, based on the agreement on the transfer of arms and military technologies, including cooperative research projects on chemical and biological protection technology, and on the feasibility of a joint new air to air missile.
The ministers decided to pursue other cooperation projects through the UK-Japan defence equipment and technology cooperation steering panel. They decided to examine the opportunities and develop proposals for a programme of joint training and exercises between their respective armed forces. These could be conducted in such areas as peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, non-combatant evacuation operations and the provision of airlift. To that end, the Ministers decided to increase contacts and exchanges by defence and security staff and academics.
More from Defence Notes
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.