Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Paragraph: 63
Plan joint exercises with Japanese armed forces and continue science and technology collaboration
Recommendation
We welcome the Government’s practical efforts in strengthening ties with Japan. Japan is an invaluable ally in the region given its geo-strategic location. As Japan enhances its own defence posture, the UK should build on these valuable commitments to continue strengthening UK–Japan defence cooperation and remain steadfast allies in the pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The UK should plan a programme of joint exercises with the Japanese armed forces, and continue collaboration on science and technology programmes as part of the Hiroshima Accord.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to fulfilling the Hiroshima Accord and implementing an ambitious programme of larger, more frequent joint exercises with Japan through the Reciprocal Access Agreement. They also highlight progress on an asset protection mechanism and thriving science and technology collaboration, including the Global Combat Air Programme.
Paragraph Reference:
63
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the significant advancements in the UK’s defence relationship with Japan. The UK is committed to fulfilling the commitments set out in the Hiroshima Accord, which allow for further enhancement of our strategic partnership with one of our closest partners in the region. This includes realising the benefits of the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in October 2023 through an ambitious programme of larger, more frequent, complex, and practical joint exercises and planning. The Secretary of State and then Foreign Secretary’s joint visit to Japan in November 2023 affirmed both countries commitment to the implementation of the RAA. The visit, for “2+2” discussions, included a Joint Statement signed by both Secretaries of State and their Japanese counterparts, confirming a “consensus on ensuring the application of the RAA to increase interoperability and realise an even more ambitious programme of more frequent and complex exercises”. Delivery of this commitment began with the most recent iteration of Exercise VIGILANT ISLES which took place from 13–19 November 2023. The UK has nearly doubled its personnel contribution to this year’s exercise, with approximately 170 service personnel taking part. Work on agreeing an asset protection mechanism is progressing well. This would allow Japan’s Self Defence Forces to provide protection to UK assets under strict criteria which we will be able to reciprocate. The UK and Japan have further been collaborating to enhance our strategic advantage in science and technology domains. Cooperation is already thriving including through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) which will utilise Japanese, Italian and UK expertise to bring about a new generation of combat aircraft and enhance our defence capabilities. Our close engagement with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and its other government organisations, such as the Aerospace Exploration Agency, the MOU for Space Engagement Talks and our new Semiconductors Partnership, demonstrates that our science and technology relationship continues to thrive.