From strategy to action: Canada and Japan strengthen defence ties in the Indo-Pacific

September 18, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

By: Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Indo-Pacific

When Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy, it set out a clear vision: deepen partnerships, strengthen regional security, and remain an enduring defence partner in one of the world’s most strategically important regions. Across the Indo-Pacific, that vision is becoming reality. Few partnerships demonstrate this more clearly than Canada’s growing defence relationship with Japan.

Built on nearly a century of diplomatic relations and strengthened by shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law, Canada and Japan continue to expand defence cooperation in ways that deliver meaningful results for regional stability, which directly impacts Canada’s national security and economic prosperity.

From maritime security and cyber defence to military exercises and senior leader engagement, both countries are translating shared priorities into practical action. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel regularly work alongside the Japan Self-Defense Forces through exercises such as KEEN SWORD, ANNUALEX, NORTH WINDS, and KAEDEX, while Operation NEON continues to support multinational efforts to monitor maritime sanction evasion by North Korea. In the cyber domain, bilateral activities such as MASAKARI have strengthened operational cooperation and reinforced a shared commitment to regional resilience.

Recent agreements, including the Security of Information Agreement and the Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement, have also created new opportunities for closer collaboration in areas such as defence technology, intelligence, cyber, and space.

"Canada and Japan have built a trusted defence relationship founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Captain(Navy) Edward Summers, Canadian Defence Attaché to Japan. "Every engagement, whether through exercises, operational cooperation, or senior leader dialogue, strengthens interoperability and reinforces our ability to address shared security challenges together."

That momentum continued this summer when Lieutenant-General (LGen) Derek Macaulay, Senior Military Representative to the Indo-Pacific, met with senior leaders of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The visit introduced Canada’s new senior military representative role, reinforced long-standing defence relationships, and identified new opportunities to deepen cooperation while supporting broader Government of Canada priorities across the region.

"Defence diplomacy is about building enduring relationships that create trust before it is needed most," said LGen Derek Macaulay. "Japan is a close and very capable partner in the Indo-Pacific. By working together, we strengthen regional stability, improve interoperability, and demonstrate Canada’s long-term commitment to meaningful engagement with Japan and across the region."

As a Pacific nation, Canada recognizes that security and prosperity at home are increasingly linked to developments across the Indo-Pacific. Through sustained engagement with trusted partners like Japan, the CAF continue to advance Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by strengthening cooperation, supporting international law, and contributing to a more secure and stable region.

In 2026, the Royal Canadian Navy will make nine port visits to Japan, the most in a single year in recent memory. This sustained presence reflects Canada’s long-term commitment to Japan and creates more opportunities to strengthen interoperability and deepen defence cooperation.