(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
August 15, 2025
Ministry of Defense Japan
1 Visit to the Finnish Ministry of Defence
On August 13 2025, SM Honda visited Finnish Ministry of Defence and met with Mr. Janne Kuusela, Director-General for Defense Policy, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen, Chief of Defence Command and others. SM Honda received briefings on Finnish national defence policy etc. based on its Comprehensive Security Model and they exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges and regional affairs.
2 Visit to the Finnish Navy's Coastal Brigade and the Private Underground Shelter in the Merihaka District
On the same day, SM Honda visited the Finnish Navy's Coastal Brigade located in Upinniemi and received an explanation about their missions. He also visited the private underground shelter in the Merihaka district and received briefing about civil defence initiatives utilizing the underground shelter.
3 Courtesy Call on H.E. Mr. Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defence
On August 14 2025, SM Honda paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defence. Both exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges including defense equipment and technology cooperation and cooperation through NATO, as well as regional affairs, and concurred to continue to further promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges.
4 Visit to the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrids COE)
On the same day, SM Honda visited the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid COE), which conducts research and education on hybrid threats in Europe, and received an explanation about responses to hybrid threats including hostile information such as disinformation, which have been increasing in recent years.
5 Visit to ICEYE and Patria
On the same day, SM Honda visited ICEYE and Patria, both major leading Finnish defense-related companies, and learned company overviews. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has selected Patria armored modular vehicle (AMV) as its next armored vehicle.
