Japan, Norway sign defence industry deal

The new Japan, Norway defence equipment and technology deal could facilitate collaboration on Japan's integration of Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles on F-35A fighters operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. (Lockheed Martin)

Japan and Norway have signed an agreement to co-operate on defence equipment and technology. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on 3 September during meetings between Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his visiting counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram.

The two sides also said they would strengthen wider defence collaboration, including work between the countries' defence industries, as well as military training and exercises. In a press release by Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD), Kihara said the MOU will support “strengthened future co-operation” between the countries but did not elaborate.

Citing Gram, the MoD added that the MOU and Norway's commitment to join the UK's carrier strike group (CSG) in deployments to Japan and the Indo-Pacific in 2025 underscored Norway's commitment to strengthening Indo-Pacific security. Norway's involvement in the CSG was confirmed in August. The European country will send two naval ships, including one frigate, the UK MoD has confirmed.

The newly signed ‘MOU on defence equipment and technology co-operation' is a precursor to a deeper agreement on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology that Japan is required by law to sign with all its defence equipment and technology partners. Japan has signed this framework accord with 15 other countries including five in Europe – France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.

The agreement establishes a legal framework to allow Japan and its partners to transfer defence technologies for activities including joint research, development, and production. The agreement also provides controls over the transfer of defence technology to a third party.

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