Japan, Finland sign defense equipment transfer agreement

By Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Japan and Finland on Monday inked an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, Tokyo's Foreign Ministry said.

The agreement was signed by top Japanese diplomat Toshimitsu Motegi and his visiting Finnish counterpart Antti Hakkanen in Tokyo.

The 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, according to a statement.

It will also ensure "appropriate" control over the defense equipment and technology transferred between Japan and Finland, especially regarding transfer to third parties or extra-purpose use.

The deal will contribute to "closer" cooperation between Japan and Finland, in addition to maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Tokyo’s defense industry.

Motegi said the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable, describing the signing of the agreement with Finland, a strategic partner that shares Japan’s values and principles, as highly significant.

In return, Hakkanen welcomed the progress in security cooperation between the two countries.

The two ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional affairs.

The agreement comes after Japan's annual defense report released in August urged the government to strengthen the country's defense industry, expand arms exports and deepen ties with security partners to reinforce deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region amid an increasingly severe security environment.

In December 2023, Japan eased its strict regulations on defense exports, in a first since 2014, under which Tokyo can allow arms made in the country under foreign license, completed products and components, to be shipped to the country from where the license has originated.

Amir Latif Arain