Japan's recent National Security Strategy (NSS) and its 'Sea to Air' security strategy mark a significant departure from its traditional pacifist stance, signalling a shift towards a more assertive posture. These developments reflect the growing acquisition needs of Japan's Ministry of Defence, which include expanding self-defence capabilities, acquiring counterstrike capabilities, procuring Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, and constructing ammunition depots.

By keeping you abreast of the latest Japanese procurement needs and policies, DSEI Japan facilitates direct access to JMoD procurement opportunities, enabling you to align your offerings with Japan's ever-evolving defence needs and requirements.

*Image Source: Japanese Ministry of Defence - Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEV)

"Our FOIP needs to be undertaken together with various countries and stakeholders. Japan will strengthen coordination with the United States, Australia, the ROK, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Of course India is indispensable. We will expand the networks among countries that share the vision, including ASEAN and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and direct efforts in the spirit of co-creation"

Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. March 20, 2023 SSB, New Delhi, India.

Japan has been actively enhancing defence cooperation with Southeast Asian countries via initiatives like the Vientiane Vision and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

The goals of these initiatives include improving maritime domain awareness, strengthening capabilities for humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and fostering confidence-building measures among regional partners.

Discover the Future of Japan Defence

Japan is broadening its defence engagement to encompass countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond its traditional allies.

The QUAD partnership, which includes Japan, the US, Australia, and India, has become a key platform for bolstering maritime security and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Learn more about Japan's efforts to fortify international alliances.

Since 2015 Japan-India agreements on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation, and Security of Classified Military Information, India has reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's unity and the comprehensive endorsement of the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)".

Japan and India have also committed to enhancing their bilateral defence collaboration, including increasing military exercises, such as the inaugural joint fighter jet drills and expansion of Japan-India defence equipment and technology cooperation.

Japan and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation with ASEAN and advancing their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This action plan encompasses various areas of cooperation, including mitigating biological threats in ASEAN, conducting joint exercises such as "KAEDEX", collaborating on cyberspace initiatives, engaging in peacekeeping efforts, and exchanging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, high-performance computing and sustainability research.