Defense Minister Koizumi visited Europe including the UK, France, and Belgium from July 19 to 22, 2026. Major events are as follows.
1. Farnborough International Airshow
On July 20, Defense Minister Koizumi visited the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, one of the world's largest airshows. He toured the GCAP pavilion and Japanese booths, encouraging participants and highlighting the strengths of Japan’s defense industrial and technological base to the international audience.
2. Visit to HMNB Portsmouth
On July 20, DM Koizumi visited HMNB Portsmouth, which is the home port for HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. One of the world’s most advanced USV (unmanned surface vehicle) projects, “Beehive”, led by the UK Royal Navy is equipped with a Japanese-made engine and controller.
3. The Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Meeting
On July 21, during his visit to the UK, DM Koizumi held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto, Italian Minister of Defense. The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closely working together to further advance Japan–Italy defense cooperation including GCAP.
[LINK] The Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Meeting
4. Briefing from Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)
On July 21, DM Koizumi received a briefing from DIO on the accommodation refurbishment programme and military welfare to service members and others related, at Horse Guards Parade which is a military related facility in London.
5. Japan-UK-Italy-Canada Quadrilateral Joint Press Conference
On Jul 21, Defense Minister Koizumi, alongside UK Secretary of State for Defence H.E. Mr. Wes Streeting, Italian Defence Minister H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto, and Canadian Minister of National Defence H.E. Mr. David J. McGuinty announced Canada’s participation to Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an Observer
[LINK] Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer
6. Japan-UK-Italy Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting
On Jul 21, Defense Minister Koizumi held the Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting with UK Secretary of State for Defence H.E. Mr. Wes Streeting and Italian Defence Minister H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto to discuss GCAP. The Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the contract between GIGO and Edgewing, and reaffirmed their commitment to further accelerate the programme.
[LINK] Japan-UK-Italy Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting
7. The Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting
On July 22, during his visit to France, DM Koizumi held a Defense Ministerial Meeting with H.E. Ms. Catherine Vautrin, Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans of the French Republic. The two Ministers welcomed the steady advancement of Japan-France defense cooperation, including military-to-military exchanges and cooperation in the space domain. They reaffirmed their intention to continue close coordination under the Japan-France Defense Roadmap and pursue more concrete cooperation in order to strengthen deterrence in the region.
[LINK] The Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting
8. Meeting with NATO Secretary General
On July 22, Defense Minister Koizumi had a meeting with NATO Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte in Belgium, during which they confirmed that the security of Euro-Atlantic and that of the Indo-Pacific is inseparable and reaffirmed the significance of cooperation between Japan and NATO.
[LINK] Meeting with NATO Secretary General Rutte
Related Link
Extraordinary Press Conference by Defense Minister Koizumi on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 4:13 PM