UK and Japanese trade associations sign defence agreement

ADS, the trade association representing the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies
Signed during the annual UK-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue organised by ADS, SJAC and UKDSC with support from UK and Japanese Government at Farnborough International Airshow last week, the agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration between ADS and SJAC, supporting the development of joint initiatives and creating new opportunities for businesses operating across both markets.

The MoU will promote greater engagement between UK and Japanese industry through networking opportunities for member companies, the sharing of best practice in the research, development and production of defence capabilities, and enhanced government-to-industry dialogue and advocacy in both countries.

The MoU builds on the increasingly close defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan, following the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2023 and the Hiroshima Accord in 2024. By strengthening industry-to-industry and government-to-industry engagement, the MoU will help support future collaboration on defence and grow defence industrial cooperation.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, said: “The long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Japan across the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors is deeply entrenched, built on years of close collaboration and shared opportunity. This MoU marks another important milestone in that partnership, underlining ADS’ commitment to supporting its members in building strong export relationships and unlocking international opportunities.”