MINDEF's Clarification on Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology with Japan

The Ministry of Defence would like to clarify that the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology (The Agreement) being discussed between Singapore and Japan's defence establishments is a follow-up from the Enhanced Memorandum on Defence Exchanges (EMODE) signed by the Defence Ministers of both countries in June 2022 at the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Neither the EMODE nor The Agreement is targeted at any country, but instead provides the Singapore Armed Forces more options to meet its training or operational requirements. The Agreement is a legal framework required by Japan for their export of defence equipment and technology, and does not oblige either party to sell or buy equipment from the other party. Several other ASEAN countries have also signed this Agreement with Japan.