An article published by the Nikkei has revealed that the European Union is looking to build security and defense industry partnerships with Japan and South Korea that would see the joint development of military equipment.
Citing information from an unnamed senior EU official, the bloc hopes to reach a ministerial agreement with Japan by the end of 2024 that would see co-funded projects undertaken by Japan and firms from member states. Such cooperation would represent the first such defense-related collaboration between the EU and Japan.
Neither Japan’s foreign ministry nor the EU’s and South Korean delegations in Tokyo have commented on the report.
Although Japan’s constitution renounces war, Tokyo has boosted defense spending in recent years saying it faces “the most severe and complex security environment since World War Two.” On a regional level, concerns have continued to rise due to North Korean and Chinese saber-rattling.
Last year saw Tokyo sign a treaty to establish a programme to develop an advanced fighter jet alongside Britain and Italy. Earlier this month, talks began with the U.S. aimed at forging deeper defense industry collaboration.
So far discussions with Washington have focused on conducting naval repairs, thereby freeing U.S. shipyards to construct more warships. However, cooperation could be extended to include aircraft repair, missile production and military supply chain resilience.
Tokyo is also keen to counter China’s increasing maritime presence and Japan has expressed concern about potential instability in the Taiwan strait.
Last week, Japan conducted joint naval exercises with the U.S., Canada and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Neither Japan’s foreign ministry nor the EU’s and South Korean delegations in Tokyo have commented on the report.
Although Japan’s constitution renounces war, Tokyo has boosted defense spending in recent years saying it faces “the most severe and complex security environment since World War Two.” On a regional level, concerns have continued to rise due to North Korean and Chinese saber-rattling.
Last year saw Tokyo sign a treaty to establish a programme to develop an advanced fighter jet alongside Britain and Italy. Earlier this month, talks began with the U.S. aimed at forging deeper defense industry collaboration.
So far discussions with Washington have focused on conducting naval repairs, thereby freeing U.S. shipyards to construct more warships. However, cooperation could be extended to include aircraft repair, missile production and military supply chain resilience.
Tokyo is also keen to counter China’s increasing maritime presence and Japan has expressed concern about potential instability in the Taiwan strait.
Last week, Japan conducted joint naval exercises with the U.S., Canada and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Source: Reuters
