Japan and Vietnam Discussed Joint Development and Joint Production of High-speed Landing Craft

27 Juli 2026

"Caimen Japan", the next-generation high-speed landing craft being developed by Japan Marine United and BMT for Japan's Self-Defense Force as the basis of their proposed joint project (image: BMT)

From July 12th to 15th, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Giang visited Japan for the first time in five years. During this visit, I had the opportunity to speak with him directly every day, not only through a defense ministerial meeting, but also through a stroll around the National Diet building grounds and a luncheon. 

It was an opportunity to further deepen my personal relationship of trust with Minister Giang. Furthermore, through the defense ministerial meeting and luncheon, we were able to exchange views on the regional situation and have concrete discussions on how to further develop defense cooperation. 

Between our two countries, various forms of cooperation are actively taking place in the land, sea, and air forces, including high-level exchanges and people-to-people exchanges through study abroad at the National Defense Academy, as well as mutual visits of troops, port calls of naval vessels and goodwill training, and capacity-building support. 

“Caimen-Japan Fast Landing Craft” (image: Japan Marine United Corporation)

Joint production of high-speed landing craft

We welcomed the progress of this cooperation and confirmed that we will further promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including in the fields of peacekeeping operations and cybersecurity, and contribute together to regional peace and stability. 

In addition, regarding defense equipment and technology cooperation, we agreed to start discussions toward realizing the joint development and joint production of high-speed landing craft under the leadership of myself and Minister Giang. We also confirmed that we will further strengthen our efforts, including promoting cooperation in the defense industry. 

Vietnam is an important partner in achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In the midst of an increasingly challenging international situation, it is important for both countries to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership and to concretize cooperation in the security field. We will continue to work to further strengthen cooperation in the defense sector. That concludes my opening remarks.

(Japan MoD)