McGuinty's trade mission paired industry outreach with a new agreement that opens the door to joint defence projects

Canada is looking to turn its growing defence relationship with Japan into business.

Defence Minister David McGuinty concluded a trade mission to Japan on June 25 after meeting with Canadian and Japanese companies and hosting a Defence Roundtable covering defence, aerospace, critical minerals and advanced technologies.

The visit was less about announcing a major deal than building the machinery needed to produce one.

DND framed the mission as part of Ottawa's effort to expand defence industrial cooperation, open new markets for Canadian companies, and build long-term partnerships with trusted allies.

The Canada-Japan Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement entered into force on June 16. It gives companies in both countries a legal framework to transfer defence equipment and technology and collaborate on co-development projects.

McGuinty met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to discuss regional security, interoperability and closer operational cooperation between the CAF and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The two militaries already train together through exercises including KEEN SWORD, ANNUALEX and PACIFIC VANGUARD.

The industrial push now gives that operational relationship another layer.

The mission follows the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in March, covering defence, trade, energy, critical minerals and technology.