The Netherlands and Japan will soon be able to exchange military goods and services more rapidly. This has been formalised in the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which governs procurement and the mutual provision of services. The document was signed today by Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans and Japanese ambassador Rokuichiro Michii.
Japan and the Netherlands already enjoy strong defence cooperation. During his visit to Japan in April 2025, Prime Minister Schoof pledged to further develop the strategic security partnership between the two countries. The ACSA negotiations were officially started at the NATO summit in The Hague. The agreement was signed in the same year that marks 425 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Netherlands.
Security developments
Security developments in Europe are directly linked to those in the Indo-Pacific. For instance, North Korean troops are fighting against Ukraine, and their government supplies materiel to Russia. Japan plays a leading role with regard to security in the Indo-Pacific, making it a key partner for the Netherlands in the region. Japan also consistently supports Ukraine.
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Download free sample pagesConsequently, military contacts between Japan and the Netherlands have become increasingly common in recent years, at various levels. Netherlands Chief of Defence General Eichelsheim met his then-counterpart General Yoshida in Japan in April 2023. At the time, both were already in the same view that the situation in the Indo-Pacific required more attention and cooperation. Earlier this year, General Yoshida visited the Netherlands on a reciprocal trip.
