This event, held in partnership with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), brings a panel of experts to Japan House London to discuss Japan-Europe defence-industrial cooperation.

The deteriorating security environment in the Indo-Pacific and European theatres has driven closer security cooperation between Japan and European countries, including in the defence-industrial domain. Japan and its European partners have incrementally expanded structured engagements, including the launch of the Japan–EU Security and Defence Dialogue in June 2025, followed by the first staff-to-staff dialogue with NATO in October. Tokyo has also applied to participate in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) with the aim of expanding opportunities for joint development with European partners. In parallel, defence-industrial projects are under way, most notably the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partnership between Japan, the UK and Italy.

Alongside these developments, cooperation in civil-defence dual-use technologies is also expanding. As Japan promotes economic growth through public–private investment focused on economic security, the government has designated dual-use technologies as strategic sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies and space, alongside the defence

industry. Tokyo, together with the private sector, is increasing its engagement with its European counterparts in these areas.

At this event, the IISS Japan Chair Robert Ward is delighted to host Professor Tsuruoka Michito, Julie Marionneau and Dr Nanae Baldauff to discuss Japan’s defence-industrial cooperation with Europe. The discussion focuses on the evolving security relationship between the two regions, particularly in the defence industry, as well as the outlook and challenges for deeper cooperation.

This event is introduced by Japan House London Director General, Sam Thorne.

 

About the Speakers

Professor Tsuruoka Michito is Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University and concurrently Deputy Director of Keio Center for Strategy (KCS). He is also Senior Associate at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS), Brussels School of Governance, VUB. Prior to his current role, he was affiliated with various research institutes, including the Australian National University (ANU), and held various roles in the Japanese government, including at the Ministry of Defense and the Embassy of Japan in Belgium.

Julie Marionneau serves as the Director of International Relations at ADS. Her career spans high-level roles in government, military and international organisations, reflecting a deep expertise in global security policy and legal frameworks. Before joining ADS, Julie was a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Business Engagement at Policy Exchange. Her earlier career includes service as a Legal Advisor in the French Air Force and NATO Commands, specialising in the law of armed conflict, operational law and air law.

Dr Nanae Baldauff is Senior Associate Fellow (non-resident) at the NATO Defense College in Italy and is currently the inaugural Japan-focused Indo-Pacific Research Fellow of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She is also Associate Research Fellow at the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) in Belgium. She has given lectures at numerous universities including courses at the NATO Defense College.

Robert Ward (Chair)  is the IISS Japan Chair and Director of Geo-economics and Strategy, carrying out independent research and writing extensively on strategic issues related to Japan, including its contemporary security and foreign policies. He leads the Institute’s Geo-economics and Strategy research programme, which focuses on a range of issues including global-economic governance, rules and standards setting, and how economic coercion impacts policy at a national and corporate level.