Department of Defense (DoD) and Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) officials are commending recently signed Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E) and Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) agreements.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Japan Minister of Defense HAMADA Yasukazu signed the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding RDT&E and a bilateral, non-binding SOSA.
The RDT&E MOU commits the DoD and MOD to increase opportunities for U.S.-Japanese collaboration on emerging technology to enhance defense capabilities, supporting Alliance efforts to maintain its technological edge in emerging technologies that include high-power microwaves, autonomous systems, and counter-hypersonics.
Through the SOSA, the United States and Japan agree to exchange reciprocal priority support for goods and services that promote national defense. The arrangement creates a streamlined mechanism for DoD and MOD to request expedited handling of industrial resources to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions to meet national security needs.
“I am delighted for Minister Hamada and I to sign two defense enabling arrangements to increase our opportunities for expanded and deepened cooperation on advanced technologies and defense supply chains,” Austin said. “To support U.S. forces and enhance Alliance cooperation towards these ends, the United States and Japan must focus our efforts to collaborate on sharpening the competitive edge of the Alliance to meet future force requirements and sustained logistics.”
Austin said the arrangements represent a consequential moment for Japan and the U.S.-Japan Alliance in embarking on new forms of cooperation.