On 29 January 2025, Japanese Minister of Defense Mr. Gen Nakatani met with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Hanno Pevkur for a ministerial meeting. During the meeting, Minister Nakatani underscored that securities of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable and stressed the importance of strengthening the involvement of each region respectively. The two ministers discussed enhancing defense cooperation, including cyber defense, defense equipment and technology exchanges, and collaboration through NATO. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. As part of this visit, the Japan-Estonia Defense Industry Exchange Seminar took place on January 30. Organized in collaboration with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the Japan Defense Equipment Industries Association (JADI) and Embassy of Estonia in Tokyo, the seminar provided a platform for Estonian and Japanese defense companies to explore potential cooperation. Senior Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Mr. Wakamiya, delivered a speech underscoring the importance of deepening industrial collaboration. Estonian defense firms—including Threod Systems, Vegvisir, Milrem Robotics, Marduk Technologies, Front42, GoCraft, Cramo, and Deflog—presented their expertise alongside Japanese industry leaders. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities, fostering future partnerships in defense technology and innovation.

Beyond the seminar, discussions were held with the Aerospace and Defense Industry Division at METI, NTT Data and many other key industry players, aiming to lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration. Looking ahead, Estonia is preparing to host Japanese defense industry representatives, further strengthening these emerging ties. With support from ATLA, JADI and dedicated teams on both sides, the seminar marks a significant step toward closer defense cooperation between Estonia and Japan. The Embassy of Estonia in Tokyo remains committed to facilitating these connections and promoting future industrial partnerships. 

Source: Embassy of Estonia in Japan

Published: March 2025