-- Japanese and European companies plan to join a new framework linking the two sides' defense industries, as geopolitical tensions drive efforts to secure supply chains, Nikkei reported Thursday.
The initiative will be discussed at the first Japan-EU defense industry dialogue on Friday, with nearly 20 European participants including Airbus, Thales, Dassault Systemes, Leonardo, Saab and PGZ, alongside about 30 Japanese companies and organizations such as Subaru (TYO:7270), Hitachi (TYO:6501), IHI (TYO:7013), Mitsubishi Corp. (TYO:8058) and Sumitomo Corp (TYO:8053), according to the report.
European officials are seeking collaboration with Japanese firms on dual-use technologies and other capabilities to reinforce regional supply chains, while Japanese companies view Europe as a gateway for global expansion, the report said.
The talks come as the EU looks to reduce reliance on the U.S. for security and expand partnerships, while Japan positions defense as a key growth sector and aims to access European funding frameworks, according to the report.
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