Japan and Vietnam have agreed to begin discussions on the joint manufacture of a high-speed landing craft, expanding defense-industrial cooperation as both countries deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement was reached during talks in Tokyo between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang.
The Japanese government said working-level discussions will determine the project’s technical details.
Optimizing Sea-Based Military Logistics
Koizumi described the vessels as platforms designed to rapidly transport personnel and supplies from offshore ships to littoral zones, offering enhanced mobility during amphibious operations and disaster response deployments.
He declined to discuss the future platform’s hull architecture or whether it would be based on an existing system.
“From this perspective, we believe it is necessary to promote meaningful transfers of defense equipment, including Vietnam, with a view to strengthening cooperation with our allies and like-minded countries,” Koizumi said.
Exploring Other Collaborations, Pledging Security Measures
At the meeting, the ministers also agreed to expand collaboration beyond the modern logistics vessels, covering areas such as cybersecurity, peacekeeping operations, and the defense industry, while reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability.
The announcement marks Japan’s latest effort to broaden defense equipment partnerships with regional allies as Tokyo seeks stronger security and industrial ties across Asia.
Asked about concerns over technology security given Vietnam’s ties with Beijing, Koizumi noted that Japan would “take all necessary measures” to protect participating companies’ technical information through strict oversight and close coordination with Hanoi.
