Japan, EU Set to Hold First Defense Industry Dialogue, Private-Sector Initiative Aims to Strengthen Business Foundations

By Hironari Akiyama / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

6:00 JST, April 17, 2026

BRUSSELS – Japan and the European Union will hold their first defense industry dialogue in Brussels on Friday, a private-sector-led initiative that aims to strengthen the industry’s foundations at a time when the security environment is becoming increasingly severe.

Both sides also plan to issue a joint statement on expanding cooperation in the industry at a governmental level, according to sources.

The dialogue aims to bolster the interoperability of defense equipment between Japan and the European Union, as well as indicate their willingness to take steps to boost supply chain resilience.

At least 20 Japanese companies including Subaru Corp. and NEC Corp., and about 20 European companies, such as Swedish defense giant Saab AB, are expected to take part in the dialogue. Japanese and EU aviation- and defense-related industry organizations will handle the administration of the dialogue.

Many of the Japanese participants are newly established companies possessing dual-use technologies used for cutting-edge drones and other equipment, which are of great interest to the EU side. The Japanese companies expect that the dialogue could become a stepping stone to full-scale entry into the EU market.

Japan and the European Union decided to establish the defense industry dialogue at a July 2025 summit. Attendees at the inaugural meeting on Friday will include Toshiro Ino, state minister of economy, trade and industry; and Andrius Kubilius, EU commissioner for defense and space.

According to sources well-informed about Japan-EU ties, after the dialogue Ino and Kubilius will hold a meeting at which they plan to issue a joint statement that will describe strengthening the defense industrial base as “a shared priority” and enhancing security through Japan-EU cooperation as “essential.” The statement also is expected to call for pushing ahead with various forms of defense industry cooperation.

Momentum for greater cooperation between Japan and the European Union has been growing as they both grapple with issues including shoring up defense equipment supply chains, rising research and development costs and a reliance on the United States.

The dialogue will be held in Brussels, where the EU’s headquarters are located.