Photo: Honour guard in connection with the meeting between Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram and Minister of Defence Minoru Kihara, Japan (Photo: Ingrid Dåsnes/Ministry of Defence).
Norway and Japan are strengthening their security and defence policy cooperation, particularly in defence equipment.
– Although we are geographically distant from each other, we share many of the same security policy challenges. We are both maritime nations with borders to Russia, and in a more turbulent world, it is in Norway’s interest to strengthen ties with like-minded nations. Japan is also a significant contributor to Ukraine’s defence efforts, says Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
– Japan is a significant customer of the Norwegian defence industry but also has a lot to offer in terms of high-tech expertise. I strongly believe that a technological collaboration between Japanese and Norwegian defence industries can bring about new innovative solutions and ensure a defence industry that remains world-leading in its fields, says Gram.
The defence industry cooperation agreement was signed in connection with the Minister of Defence’s visit to Japan. Japan is set to make significant investments in the coming years. Over four years, Japan plans to spend 330 billion USD on defence.
– We see a great need for military equipment both in the West and among like-minded partners in the East. The government has taken significant steps to strengthen production capacity in Norway. This is important for our defence, but also to contribute to a more robust defence industrial capacity across borders, says Gram.
Closer Security Policy Dialogue
Gram has also had security policy meetings with Minister of Defence Minoru Kihara. The purpose was to discuss the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, relations with China and Russia, and how Norway and NATO can strengthen security and defence cooperation. Through its Nordic initiative, Japan has signalled closer cooperation with the Nordic countries. Norway is now enhancing its ability to monitor developments in the region and facilitate security policy dialogue and materiel cooperation by establishing a defence attaché position in Tokyo in 2026. The defence attaché in Beijing is currently also accredited to Tokyo.
Japan is a country that invests heavily in research and space technology. Norway has initiated space cooperation with Japan within the framework of the multilateral Combined Space Operations Initiative.
– There is great potential for increased collaboration here, both to see how we can best utilize the space domain for military operations and reduce costs through joint efforts, says Gram.