Overview
- After talks at Japan’s Yokosuka naval base, the two defense ministers said they will expand cooperation and increase activities between their forces, including closer military‑industrial links.
- Berlin’s proposal for a Reciprocal Access Agreement would streamline procedures for training and exercises, building on the 2024 logistics ACSA between the two countries.
- Germany will send nine Eurofighters with tanker and transport support to Australia’s Pitch Black exercise in July, its largest Air Force deployment to the region since 2021.
- Pistorius is touring Japan, Singapore and Australia with senior executives from Airbus, TKMS, MBDA, Quantum Systems, Diehl and Rohde & Schwarz to deepen defense and industrial partnerships.
- Germany’s regional footprint remains modest with a single P‑8A deployed and no frigate planned for 2025–2026, while Berlin weighs procurement choices such as a naval laser system involving domestic firms or Australia’s EOS.