MASAKARI 25: Canadian and Japanese militaries strengthen cyber defences

August 7, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:45

By: Major Christopher Daniel, CAFCYBERCOM Senior Public Affairs Officer

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Cyber operators from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Japan Self-Defence Forces conduct joint activities during MASAKARI 25 at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, on July 19, 2025.

In summer 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Cyber Defense Command (JCDC) joined forces in MASAKARI 25—a bilateral cyber defence activity that deepened operational cooperation and reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional cyber security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Conducted under Operation HORIZON, Canada’s forward-presence mission in the Indo-Pacific, MASAKARI 25 was hosted by CAFCYBERCOM and brought together cyber operators from both nations, alongside Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) personnel, to conduct combined defensive cyber activities.

“This activity represented more than an operational milestone—it reflected our collective will to shape a secure and rules-based digital environment,” said Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander of CAFCYBERCOM. “MASAKARI 25 built practical cyber interoperability and strengthened a trusted partnership between Canada and Japan. Together, we advanced persistent engagement in a region where cyber threats increasingly test the resolve of open societies.”

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A Cyber operator from CAFCYBERCOM conducts operations during MASAKARI 25 at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, on July 23, 2025.

Major-General Akitsugu Kimura, Commander of the JCDC, emphasized the strategic value of the engagement, “MASAKARI 25 brought the two nations even closer, since this combined effort facilitated our mutual understanding and strengthened capabilities and interoperability. I am confident that Canada and Japan are well-united and able to contribute to the security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

MASAKARI 25 is aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by reinforcing regional partnerships, demonstrating commitment to cyber resilience, and upholding norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The activity underscored the vital role cyber defence plays in supporting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Looking beyond 2025, both commands anticipated continued collaboration through future joint training, cyber intelligence exchanges, and operational cooperative efforts.

“This was just the beginning,” said MGen Yarker. “In an era of evolving digital threats, partnerships like this are essential to securing our interests and those of our global partners.”

MASAKARI 25 stood as a clear signal: Canada and Japan were united in defending the digital front lines of the Indo-Pacific.