As Japan's defence modernisation gathers pace, international partnerships are bolstering its technology landscape. 

 

Japan's defence industrial base is currently entering a significant new phase characterised by increased international collaboration. Establishing strong relationships with global partners is now considered essential for strengthening both its defence capabilities and its domestic industry.

Bringing together thousands of industry and military leaders from 78 countries, DSEI Japan 2025 offers a crucial platform for forming the necessary partnerships to support the advancement of these important capabilities.

 

GCAP drives international collaboration

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) serves as a key illustration of how important collaboration is becoming for supporting and making major projects possible.

Formalised through a treaty signed in December 2023, GCAP sees Italy, Japan and the UK joining forces to develop a new sixth-generation fighter aircraft for the 2030s. With its headquarters in the UK, operations in each partner country, and Japanese leadership providing the first CEO for the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), GCAP epitomises international collaboration, and discussions are underway about the possibility of bringing more nations into the fold. 

The establishment of GIGO provides pathways for workshare and financial investment between the respective countries.

GCAP employs thousands of people worldwide and is supported by over 1,000 suppliers across the three partner nations. Prime contractors for GCAP collaborate with established supply chains across their nations, working alongside suppliers to integrate advanced technologies such as AI-driven sensors and hypersonic capabilities.

Research drives defence innovation

Japan's research and development (R&D) spending will increase to approximately USD26 billion over the next five years – 4.5 times more than what was spent in the previous period. 

This investment targets standoff weapons, hypersonic technology, and next-generation fighter aircraft. The strategy emphasises engaging Japan's entire scientific and technological capacity through comprehensive government-wide efforts.

This investment strategy builds on Japan's established strengths. Japanese suppliers already excel in critical subcomponents, particularly electro-optical sensors that serve both consumer and defence markets. This dual-use expertise enables efficient supply chain integration and positions the Japanese industry for expanded international collaboration. 

To support this expansion, recent policy reforms have opened new pathways for international partnerships, allowing exports of complete systems manufactured under license and establishing more robust supply chain frameworks. The Japanese government provides substantial subsidies to strengthen these collaborations, supports a range of cybersecurity investments and funds equipment modifications for export purposes.

These opportunities drive strong industry engagement at DSEI Japan, where VIPs and international delegations, including Japan's Minister of Defence, meet to advance technological partnerships. Industry leaders work directly with military officials and government representatives to shape future collaboration.

 

Expanding collaborative frameworks

As regional security challenges grow more complex, Australia, Japan and the US have established comprehensive defence cooperation agreements through the Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting (TDMM). Given the need for advanced capabilities, collaboration is focused on quantum technologies, combat aircraft and long-range strike systems. The partnership now also extends to research in composite aerospace materials and autonomous systems, with Japan expected to join AUKUS Pillar 2: Advanced Capabilities initiatives. 

Building on decades of security cooperation, the US-Japan bilateral relationship was further strengthened in 2023 through new agreements, including the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Memorandum of Understanding (RDT&E MoU) and the Security of Supply Arrangements (SOSA). The RDT&E MoU aims to increase collaboration opportunities and improve defence capabilities, while the SOSA ensures the mutual exchange of defence goods and services to help build a resilient defence system worldwide. As such, these agreements create new opportunities for industry and government partnerships while streamlining acquisition between countries. 

For companies new to Japan's defence sector, initiatives like the Defense Industrial Cooperation Acquisition and Sustainment Forum (DICAS) with the US create entry points through collaborative weapons production and maintenance programmes. 
 

Meet Japan's defence decision-makers at DSEI Japan 2025

DSEI Japan provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with this evolving market, offering unparalleled access to key decision-makers under one roof. In a market where relationship-building is paramount, this direct connection to Japan's defence establishment is invaluable for companies looking to contribute to this ambitious modernisation programme.

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