Defence and security market in Japan

Japan’s defence and security industry is increasingly receptive to foreign involvement, creating new opportunities for Canadian companies The recently signed Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Roadmap will open new opportunities for collaboration in defence and security.

Companies must be prepared to navigate a structured procurement environment, including supplier registration requirements and the need for in-market partnerships

• Complex process of registering as a qualified supplier
• Need for an in-market partner for companies that are not registered
• Requirement to align with Japan’s defence industry structure and regulatory environment

Japan’s defence and security sector operates within a structured procurement system but is gradually opening to increased international collaboration. The Canada-Japan Security of Information Agreement (SIA) and Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement (ETTA) support greater engagement between Canadian suppliers and Japanese primes, system integrators and government stakeholders.

Japan is best suited to:

• well-established defence suppliers with proven technologies and experience operating in international markets 
• companies with a demonstrated track record of supplying to organizations such as:
  • the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partners
  • Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) forces 

Companies engaged in collaborative research and development with organizations such as Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) or the National Research Council (NRC) may be better positioned to navigate procurement processes and pursue long-term opportunities

Japan is an attractive market for established Canadian defence companies offering advanced and differentiated technologies. Given its structured procurement environment and increasing openness to foreign collaboration, the Japanese defence sector offers opportunities for Canadian companies with proven capabilities and international experience.

For more information on the defence industry in Japan, please contact jpn.commerce@international.gc.ca.