June 25, 2026 – Tokyo, Japan – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, concluded an important visit to Japan focused on strengthening Canada’s defence relationship with a key Indo-Pacific partner and advancing the government’s efforts to expand defence industrial cooperation.
Over the last week, Minister McGuinty led a defence Trade Mission to Japan, meeting with Japanese and Canadian businesses, and hosted a Defence Roundtable. These engagements focused on expanding industrial partnerships and advancing collaboration in key sectors, including defence, aerospace, critical minerals, and advanced technologies. The Minister highlighted the strengths of Canada’s defence industry and encouraged closer cooperation with trusted partners such as Japan. These efforts support access to new markets while positioning Canadian defence companies for global growth and fostering long-term partnerships.
While in Japan, the Minister met with Japanese Minister of Defense, Shinjiro Koizumi to discuss regional and global security priorities, as well as opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of strong Canada–Japan defence relations and explored ways to enhance interoperability, information sharing, and operational collaboration between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This discussion reinforced Canada’s objective of building stronger operational ties with trusted partners while expanding the foundation for long-term industrial collaboration.
On June 16, the Canada–Japan Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement (ETTA) entered into force, opening doors for more industrial collaboration. The ETTA establishes a framework to facilitate the transfer of defence equipment and technology between Canada and Japan, enabling companies in both countries to collaborate more closely together on co-development projects involving equipment, technology, and intellectual property.
Central to this Trade Mission, is Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Canadian businesses, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and diversifying partnerships to position Canada as a reliable and competitive defence partner.
Quotes
“Japan is a key defence and economic partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit marked important progress in strengthening our defence trade and industrial cooperation, while underscoring Canada’s commitment to working with trusted partners to advance regional security and resilience.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
In March 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Canada and Japan across defence, energy, critical minerals, trade, and technology.
In January 2026, Minister McGuinty and Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Kanji Yamanouchi, signed the Canada-Japan Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement.
The Canadian Armed Forces regularly participate in joint and multilateral exercises with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, including KAEDEX, KEEN SWORD and ANNUALEX, as well as Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.
A key element of cooperation between Canada and Japan is both countries’ participation in the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange, a multinational initiative to counter the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion.