The General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) announces the conduct of the 1st Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Japanese Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and GDDIA, which took place in Tokyo from 21 to 23 April 2026.
A GDDIA delegation participated in the meeting, headed by the Director of International Relations, Brigadier General Spyridon Madouros, as well as a representative of the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (HCDI).
During the proceedings, an extensive exchange of briefings was conducted in accordance with the agreed agenda. The Hellenic side presented the Hellenic Strategic Research & Development Plan, the development of dual-use technologies and innovative products within the Greek defence ecosystem, the participation of Hellenic industry, research centers and academia in R&D projects within the framework of EU and NATO initiatives, as well as the capabilities of the Hellenic defence industry. The Japanese side presented the organization and operation of ATLA, defence equipment and R&D policy, existing cooperation with third countries, as well as recent regulatory developments concerning exports.
On the first day of the meeting, visits were conducted to Japanese research centers (Air Systems Research Center and Future Capabilities Development Center), where their areas of activity and technological capabilities were presented. In parallel, the Hellenic side presented the “KENTAVROS” system of HAI, with a view to exploring potential synergies in technological capabilities for counter-UAS applications. Furthermore, the Hellenic delegation visited the Japanese company FUJITSU, which is active in the defence sector, R&D and dual-use technologies, in order to explore potential areas of cooperation.
During the discussions, following the visit of the Hellenic Minister of National Defence to Japan in early December 2025, particular emphasis was placed on achieving a mutual understanding of procedures and defence ecosystems in both countries, as well as on identifying concrete next steps to promote potential opportunities for synergy and cooperation in the fields of R&D, technological innovation and defence industry.
The meetings were held in an excellent atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. In this context, an invitation was extended to ATLA for the participation of the Japanese defence ecosystem in the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) this coming September, where Japan will be the honoured country, as well as in the international defence exhibition DEFEA 2027 (18–20 May), in conjunction with the organization of the 2nd JWG meeting in Athens.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Hellenic delegation met with the Ambassador of Greece to Tokyo and Embassy staff, with the aim of exchanging information and coordinating actions for the effective promotion of bilateral defence cooperation.
