Exclusive: UK defence SMEs take part in Japan trade mission

UK SMEs specialising in UAS and counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies have participated in a trade mission to Tokyo, reinforcing defence and security collaboration with Japan. 

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), which organised the mission itinerary in partnership with the British Embassy Tokyo, confirmed to DSEI Gateway that the visit took place between 18-19 May. 

A total of five SMEs took part in the trade mission: Callen Lenz; Cambridge Aerospace; Pict Ventures; SK Defence UK; and Syos Aerospace. They were joined by several large primes, such as BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, and MBDA UK. 

The companies involved were invited to present their capabilities to senior representatives from key Japanese organisations. These included the country’s defence ministry’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency and its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.  

According to the MoD, during the two-day mission, industry participants also shared perspectives on how UAS and C-UAS technologies can be used to secure the maritime domain and defend island chains. They additionally discussed how industry can respond rapidly to evolving operational demands. 

Industry networking 

On the second day of the mission, the British Embassy Tokyo hosted a “Meet the Industry” exhibition, featuring 150 representatives from Japanese companies. The goal of this event was to enable the trade mission delegates to build commercial relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration on UAS and C-UAS technologies, the MoD stated. 

The programme also included a closed seminar for Japanese officials and military leaders. This featured presentations from senior UK MoD representatives and the wider government. Discussions focused on UAS and C-UAS strategies, including operational lessons learned from Ukraine, the Middle East, and UK airspace.