UK, Japan Sign Defense Framework Agreement

The UK and Japanese governments have signed a Defence Equipment Cooperation Framework and an Information Security Agreement. 

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and His Excellency Mr Keiichi Hayashi, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, today signed 2 agreements which will create a legal framework for closer co-operation between the 2 countries on defence and security. 

William Hague, said, “Japan is a key ally of the UK and we work closely together on many issues of global foreign and security policy. This is a groundbreaking agreement which will enable joint research, development and production of defence equipment. 

The Defence Equipment Cooperation Framework will put in place the legal understanding that will enable joint research, development and production of defence equipment. The UK is the first country in the world to sign such a comprehensive agreement with Japan since the creation of its Guidelines on the Overseas Transfer of Defence Equipment etc. 

The Information Security Agreement sets out the standards and arrangements for the security protection of classified information exchanged between the UK and Japan. This is not limited to the defence field, but the agreement will assist the implementation of the Defence Equipment Cooperation Framework. 

The first collaboration project is expected to take place in the area of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection. Further projects involving industry are expected to follow, and discussions have already taken place on the potential of working together in other capability areas.