“German Ambassador to Japan Petra Sigmund has expressed strong expectations for Japan’s possible participation in a European military drone development program as part of their defense cooperation.”
“Such a move would upgrade Japan’s involvement in the development of the so-called Eurodrone unmanned combat aircraft from its current position as an observer. In addition to Germany, the Eurodrone project includes such countries as Italy and Spain. India is also an observer.”
“On the recent decision by Germany and France to scrap a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter jet, Sigmund said that Berlin is considering multiple options, one of them including Japan.”
“Sigmund expressed eagerness for a reciprocal access agreement between Japan and Germany to facilitate mutual visits between the armed forces of the two countries, noting that an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement for sharing logistical support has made it easier for Germany to conduct complex training missions in Japan.”
“Regarding other areas of Japanese-German cooperation, she said the two countries are looking at working together to reduce dependence on China for rare earths. She referred to possible avenues of collaboration, such as refining the minerals outside China, boosting the recycling of rare earths found in goods such as solar panels and batteries, and innovation to reduce the use of the minerals.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06/14/japan/politics/german-envoy-japan-eurodrone-project/