Finland and Japan signed an agreement on defence equipment and technology in Tokyo on Monday, 26 October, setting rules for future transfers and opening the way for joint research, development and production projects.
The agreement was signed by Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi during Häkkänen’s visit to Tokyo, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What the defence equipment and technology agreement covers
The deal establishes a legal framework for handling defence equipment and technology transferred between the two countries. It includes controls on subsequent transfers to third parties and on using transferred equipment or technology for purposes other than those agreed. The Japanese government says the framework can support joint projects involving both governments and closer security cooperation.
The signing does not itself announce any specific purchases, production orders or funding commitments.
As Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported, Häkkänen said the agreement could create growth opportunities for Finnish defence and technology businesses. He described Japan as an important partner and argued that democratic countries need to cooperate more closely on defence technology.
Finnish companies join the Japan visit
Häkkänen’s visit, scheduled for 26 to 28 October, includes representatives of 20 Finnish companies working in defence and dual-use technologies. According to an announcement by Finland’s embassy in Japan, the delegation will attend business seminars and meetings to explore commercial opportunities.
The agreement follows talks launched earlier: in June 2025, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Japan’s then prime minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to accelerate negotiations on transferring defence equipment and technology.
After the signing, Häkkänen also met Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Both ministers agreed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and described security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific as closely linked, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
