Japan has expressed interest in joining NATO’s command for its Ukraine mission, the Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), based in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani expressed his country’s interest during discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Japan has previously offered various forms of assistance to Ukraine, including equipment and financial aid, in response to Russia’s aggression. The specifics of Japan’s involvement in NSATU, including the potential deployment of Japan Self-Defense Force members to Wiesbaden, are still under discussion according to reports.
A joint statement following the meeting of NATO and Japan leaders stated that Rutte welcomes Japan’s willingness to participate in the NSATU.
“We affirm the importance of continued Japan-NATO consultations on the situation in Ukraine. We strongly condemn the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including Russia’s use of North Korean missiles against Ukraine and the engagement of North Korean troops deployed to Russia in combat against Ukraine,” NATO and Japan said in a joint statement.
Japan and NATO also agreed to boost cooperation in emerging technologies like drones and AI, and coordinate on cyber threats, including crypto thefts linked to North Korea.
“Strengthening defense industrial cooperation is a shared priority. We will accelerate cooperation in this area, including with a view to developing dual-use technologies, advanced technologies, and enhancing standardization,” NATO and Japan’s joint statement read.
