Japan is strengthening its defence ties across Southeast Asia, deepening security partnerships with nations that share similar concerns about regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Recent developments with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore highlight Japan’s evolving role as a regional...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
Japan is strengthening its defence ties across Southeast Asia, deepening security partnerships with nations that share similar concerns about regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Recent developments with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore highlight Japan’s evolving role as a regional security partner—particularly in maritime defence, capability building, and countering disinformation.
Japan–Indonesia Maritime Cooperation
Indonesia faces persistent maritime security challenges, especially around the North Natuna Sea, where China’s expansive claims overlap with Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Frequent incursions by Chinese vessels have led to heightened tensions, with Indonesian fishermen increasingly blocked from traditional fishing grounds.
Japan has responded by supporting Indonesia’s maritime security through both financial and technical assistance, including potential co-development of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates. Under this arrangement, four vessels would be built in Japan and four in Indonesia, enabling transfer of naval technology and production know-how. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the possible transfer of decommissioned Soryu-class submarines from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), although this has not been confirmed.
Japan is also supplying high-speed patrol boats under its Official Security Assistance programme and funding the construction of an Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Indonesian Coast Guard. These efforts aim to bolster Indonesia’s maritime patrol capabilities and reflect a shared commitment to preserving regional maritime order.
A bilateral forum for defence practitioners has also been established, focusing on equipment transfers, joint maritime operations, and technology exchange. This institutional framework reinforces the interoperability of the two countries' maritime forces.
Japan–Philippines Strategic Partnership
In March 2025, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met JMSDF Chief of Staff Admiral Saito Akira in Manila. Their discussions centred on countering Chinese disinformation and strengthening defence cooperation. Japan has supplied the Philippines with advanced military radars and continues to explore joint production of defence equipment tailored to Philippine needs.
A major development in the relationship is the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will allow for more seamless joint exercises and defence coordination. The agreement also supports disaster response cooperation and high-level exchanges.
On the maritime front, Japan has provided ten 44-metre class patrol boats and two 97-metre class multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) to the Philippine Coast Guard, with five additional MRRVs scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Japan–Vietnam Comprehensive Engagement
Japan’s ties with Vietnam extend beyond defence into broader strategic cooperation. During a recent visit by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, both countries agreed to deepen political trust and defence collaboration while expanding cooperation in science, technology, and economic development.
Vietnam highlighted Japan’s pivotal role as its largest Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor, contributing over ¥3 trillion (US$20 billion), or around 30% of total ODA received. This funding supports key infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Vietnam has requested Japan’s continued involvement in major infrastructure development and praised efforts to streamline ODA processes for greater efficiency.
At the same time, Vietnamese leaders proposed designating science and innovation as a new pillar of bilateral relations. Key areas identified for cooperation include digital transformation, human resource development, labour mobility, high-tech agriculture, and clean energy. These initiatives underscore Japan’s multidimensional engagement with Vietnam, combining security interests with long-term socio-economic development.
Japan–Singapore Practical Security Ties
Singapore plays a strategic role in Japan’s Southeast Asia policy, given its status as a maritime hub and consistent advocate for a rules-based regional order. The two countries maintain close defence ties, anchored by regular Self-Defense Force port calls and naval exercises.
In April 2023, the Japanese and Singaporean navies conducted a passage exercise in the South China Sea, contributing to regional interoperability. Although details remain limited, both sides have held discussions on further enhancing defence cooperation, signalling an interest in deepening engagement.
Strategically, Singapore and Japan are aligned in their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on international law. Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, Singapore recognises that collective security efforts, including those involving Japan, are essential to preserving stability.
Airbus has had a hugely successful week, racking up almost US $21 billion in deals and contracts at the Paris…
MTU Aero Engines closed its participation at this year’s edition of the Paris Air Show with record engine orders worth…
Indian state-owned airframer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into an agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines, for the industrialization and…
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Electra.aero, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for Electra's EL9 ultra-short…
As demand grows and talent pipeline pressures mount, the need to drive at least 30 to 40 per cent greater…
With airframers not able to meet production targets this year and unlikely to do so in the next two years…
Leonardo and Avioane Craiova have signed a "Technological and Industrial Cooperation Agreement" during the Paris Air Show, aimed at deepening…
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has confirmed the sale of one Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to the United…
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has selected Daher as one of five companies to develop a Medium Altitude Long…
The Norwegian Air Ambulance has entered into a new frame contract with Airbus for up to eight H145 helicopters, including…
Eve Air Mobility has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Future Flight Global, a pioneer in electric aircraft, for…
EGYPTAIR has disclosed a firm order for an additional six A350-900s as part of its expansion strategy to meet growing…
Embraer has received a firm order from SkyWestfor 60 aircraft with purchase rights on 50 additional aircraft. Deliveries of the…
Four French aerospace companies - Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance - are joining hands to study and define a…
The French defence procurement agency, Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), has inked a joint declaration of intent with Saab regarding…
Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo announced at the ongoing Paris Air Show that they would join forces to carry out an…
Sikorsky and CAE announced at Le Bourget on the third day of the Paris Air Show that they would be…
Aerospace and national security company, SNC, and Lufthansa Technik have announced a strategic partnership to enhance their combined capabilities in…
STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft, taking…
The Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania has chosen the Embraer C-390 Millennium as the country’s next-generation military transport aircraft.…
Embraer signed Component Pool Program contracts with multiple airlines on the third day of the ongoing Paris Air Show. Currently,…
Embraer and Amelia, an airline operated by the France based Regourd Aviation Group, has signed an extensive services agreement, including…
Embraer and CAE are expanding their full-flight simulator network with the deployment of a state-of-the-art E2 full-flight simulator (FFS) at…
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology, a…
Lockheed Martin has confirmed a major advancement in the structural longevity of its C-130J Super Hercules, following a wing durability…
Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading full-service carrier, has announced plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra, a US-based…
Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Ltd (RAL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, unveiled a strategic partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000…
In a move to bolster European defence capabilities, Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence and Space have signed a Memorandum of…
Air Astana Group carriers have continued their winning streak at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held during the Paris…
Embraer has secured a firm order from SkyWest, Inc. for 60 E175 aircraft, with options for an additional 50. Deliveries…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.