In fact, London has taken some audacious steps to deepen its burgeoning defense relationship with Tokyo. The purpose is to encourage more collaboration in times of emergency. The U.K. Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, met with Japan’s Minister of Defense, Gen Nakatani, on September 1, 2025. Unlike other earlier bilateral agreements, their meeting occurred on board the HMS Prince of Wales— an aircraft carrier moored in a Tokyo port.
The convening, held in the aircraft carrier’s hanger-turned-conference room, drew close to 400 people. Healey and Nakatani’s talks centered on deepening defense cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders underscored the need to work more closely together to address increasing challenges in the international security environment.
John Healey MP welcomed the future direction of U.K.-Japan defense relations. Today, he said, “Our two nations find ourselves in a golden age of defense cooperation.” This enthusiastic embrace of the US–India partnership showcases both countries’ readiness to continue deepening their burgeoning relationship and increasing their shared security.
By selecting the HMS Prince of Wales for this momentous meeting, both leaders celebrated the strength of their partnership. This venue provides a powerful visual representation of their solidarity. An aircraft carrier is much more than a U.S. military asset that can deliver hard power. The meeting took place at 18:48 JST, marking a pivotal moment in U.K.-Japan relations.
These new London–Tokyo connections will help improve joined-up responses to future threats and disasters. As global security dynamics evolve, both nations recognize the necessity of working closely together to ensure stability in the region and beyond.