16:07 JST, April 19, 2026

Envoys and other representatives from 30 member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has 32 members in total, visited Japan and held talks with Japanese officials, including Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. They also visited South Korea immediately prior to coming to Japan.

This is said to be an unusually large delegation of NATO envoys visiting overseas.

With the United States having abandoned its position as leader of the international order, the world has entered an era of constant conflict. Frustrated with NATO’s uncooperative attitude toward assisting the U.S. military operation against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has even hinted at withdrawing the United States from NATO.

Under such circumstances, there appears to be a growing view among European nations — which make up most of NATO — that cooperation with both Japan and South Korea is indispensable for the stability of the international community, which includes Asia.

Japan must deepen defense cooperation with NATO to prevent the escalation of conflicts. Through multilateral cooperation, Japan should strive to restore order, such as the rule of law and free trade.

Many of the NATO representatives in the delegation are vice-ministerial level officials in the foreign service of their respective countries. During a meeting, Koizumi and these representatives affirmed their intention to move forward with specific forms of defense cooperation.

Last year, Japan and NATO launched the Dialogue on Defense Industrial Cooperation and Capability to share information on their respective defense equipment. This platform is aimed at enhancing the interoperability of ammunition and other supplies in the future and eventually sharing equipment with each other in times of emergency.

Currently, the supply of equipment produced by Japan’s defense industry is primarily limited to the Self-Defense Forces. If Japan were to cooperate with NATO in this manner, that would help revitalize its weakened defense industry.

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and NATO naval forces, comprising navies from its member states, have conducted joint exercises in locations including the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. It is meaningful to strengthen Japan’s deterrence by deepening exchanges among SDF and NATO officers.

The NATO delegation also visited a factory operated by a major electronics company that is producing defense equipment in Kanagawa Prefecture. It reportedly visited defense industry facilities in South Korea as well.

European countries are facing a threat from Russia, which has engaged in aggression against Ukraine. Partly because they have supplied missiles and other equipment to Ukraine, they are said to be dealing with a shortage of defense equipment.

Japan plans to soon ease its rules on defense equipment exports, making it possible to export lethal weapons as well under certain conditions. The nation should consider ways to facilitate such exports by consulting with NATO.

Currently, Japan, Britain and Italy are advancing joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. Canada is said to have recently expressed its intention to join this initiative.

If more countries participate in the joint development, the burden of development costs can be reduced. Cooperating with countries that share common values will likely be an option.

 (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2026)

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