The United States and Japanese defense chiefs signed two memorandums of understanding on Jan. 12 to expand cooperation in advanced technologies and defense supply chains as both nations seek to step up their alliance.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada signed the agreements during a meeting at the Pentagon, which Austin described as “a consequential moment” for the U.S.-Japan alliance.
The first memorandum aims to support efforts to improve defense capabilities using advanced technologies, such as high-power microwaves, autonomous systems, and counter-hypersonics, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
They agreed to exchange “reciprocal priority support” for defense-related goods and services under the second memorandum, allowing either side to request expedited handling of industrial resources to resolve supply chain disruptions….