Closer defense-industrial cooperation between Japan and NATO could prove critical in Asia’s tense security environment, Tokyo's first dedicated ambassador to the political and military alliance has said, as this will not only boost interoperability with partner forces but also result in “more robust” defense supply chains.
“If we can achieve greater coordination with European industries — along with those in the United States and Canada — then this will be of great benefit for the Self-Defense Forces,” Ambassador Osamu Izawa said in a recent exclusive interview with The Japan Times.
Tokyo and the 32-member alliance are aiming to take ties to the next level through “more practical” cooperation.
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