Press Releases
Signing of the Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Finland concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology
October 26, 2026
On October 26, commencing at 1:25 p.m., at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Finland, who is visiting Japan, signed the "Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Finland concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology".
Following the signing ceremony, the two ministers held a meeting commencing at 1:30 p.m., for approximately 30 minutes.
1. Signing of the Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Finland concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology
- This Agreement establishes a legal framework concerning the handling of defense equipment and technology to be transferred between Japan and Finland for joint research, development, and production of defense equipment and technology in which both governments participate, and for strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defense.
- The Agreement will ensure appropriate control over the defense equipment and technology transferred between Japan and Finland, especially regarding transfer to third parties or extra-purpose use. It is expected that this Agreement will contribute to closer cooperation between Japan and Finland on defense equipment and technology, lead to the strengthening of security and defense cooperation between the two countries, and contribute to maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defense industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan.
2. Meeting between Foreign Minister Motegi and Defence Minister Häkkänen
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and noted that it is highly significant to have been able to sign the Agreement with Finland, a strategic partner sharing values and principles. In response, Minister of Defence Häkkänen expressed his welcome for the progress in security cooperation between the two countries.
- The two ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional affairs, with a focus on security and defense, and concurred that the two countries would continue to work in close coordination.