Japan and Europe will hold a military industry dialogue conference, and are expected to issue a joint statement to strengthen military-industry cooperation.

On April 17th, Japan and the European Union will hold the first privately-led defense industry dialogue meeting at the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels. During the meeting, the two governments are expected to issue a joint statement to expand cooperation in the defense industry field. According to the China Defense News, the Japanese government and the European Union signed a "Security and Defense Partnership" agreement in Tokyo in November 2024. This marks the official establishment of a defense partnership between the two parties, and also indicates that Japan will continue to promote the involvement of external forces in regional affairs. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and the Nikkei Asian Review, around 20 companies from both Japan and Europe will participate in the defense industry dialogue meeting. Japanese companies participating include Subaru, NEC, IHI, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Fujitsu, while European companies include Airbus, France's Thales and Dassault Systems, Sweden's Saab, and the Polish military group, among others. Japanese Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shunro Ino, and EU Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, also attended the meeting. Additionally, Italy's Leonardo company and Japan's Aircraft Industry Revitalization Corporation, both involved in the joint development project for the sixth-generation aircraft with Japan, the UK, and Italy, as well as some Japanese startups focusing on dual-use military and civilian technologies such as drones, were also present. The EU and NATO have stated that many products from these small companies will be utilized in the security field.