BAE Systems and NEC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them join forces to help deliver active cyber defence solutions for the Japanese Government. The MOU sees the firms agree to work together across various sectors, including outside of the defence domain.
The agreement shows a significant step forward for the UK-Japan strategic cyber partnership. This was agreed on 31st January 2026 by the two national governments. It acts as a framework for stronger UK-Japan collaboration to tackle evolving cyber threats and build collective resilience. The framework agreement was built on the Hiroshima Accord: an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership in 2023.
BAE has operated in Japan for over 25 years. Providing cutting-edge defence technologies and capabilities to the Ministry of Defence and the Self-Defence Forces. Collaborations include the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint venture between the UK, Italy and Japan.
Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “As a longstanding provider of cyber and digital capabilities to government organisations around the world, we recognise the importance of leveraging best-in-class capabilities to meet customers’ needs and reflect their operational environment.
“Working together with NEC, we will turn our respective expertise into practical, operational capability in pursuit of a fair, safe and secure cyberspace.”
Strengthening Japan’s active cyber defence
Under the MoU, BAE Systems and NEC will work together to strengthen the Japanese Government’s cybersecurity posture. Through the joint development, implementation and delivery of active cyber defence solutions.
The partnership combines BAE Systems’ expertise in active cyber defence best practice with NEC’s technology capabilities, deployment experience and understanding of Japan’s policy and operational landscape. Together, the organisations aim to deliver practical capability, technically robust and aligned with national security priorities.
BAE Systems and NEC will also explore a business collaboration framework. This will bring together cybersecurity and national security stakeholders from the UK and Japan. The aim is to support collective cyber resilience and help grow a highly skilled cyber sector in both countries.
Noboru Nakatani, Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer, NEC Corporation, commented, “Like many nations, we’ve seen a rise in cyber-attacks against national authorities and critical infrastructure. This is a trend which requires a proactive response.
“Government organisations need to know that they have access to the best possible technical and operational expertise. Which is exactly what our cooperation with BAE Systems will deliver, enabling the implementation of ACD solutions to support long-term cyber resilience.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean?
The MoU is the kind of agreement that the UK Government would have hoped for when it set up the partnership at the start of the year. There is, however, no monetary value included within the announcement. Unlike the £18 bn investment deal that was announced by both governments for investment into Scotland, for among other things an offshore wind installation.
However, an MoU is not recognisable revenue. The two companies will measure its success based on the number and volume of deals they close over the next few months. This is just the first chapter of what will hopefully be a long and successful agreement.
