► BAE Systems and NEC sign MoU to strengthen Japan’s active cyber defence

BAE Systems and NEC Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine expertise for the implementation of active cyber defence (ACD) solutions for the Japanese Government. This MoU demonstrates the intent of both organisations to work together in various sectors beyond the defence domain, building on the momentum of the Japan-UK Strategic Cyber Partnership agreed by the respective Governments in January 2026.

Under this MoU, BAE Systems and NEC will support the enhancement of the Japanese Government’s cybersecurity posture through the joint development, implementation and delivery of ACD solutions. It brings together BAE Systems’ vast expertise and knowledge of ACD best practices with NEC’s technological capabilities, deployment experience and deep understanding of Japan’s ACD policy and operational landscape. By combining complementary strengths, both organisations will aim to deliver capability that is practically grounded, technically robust and aligned with national security priorities.

In addition, BAE Systems and NEC will explore the establishment of a business collaboration framework focused on bringing together industry stakeholders from the cybersecurity and national security sectors of both the UK and Japan to help drive collective cyber resilience. This is expected to support the growth of a highly skilled cyber sector in both nations.

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.”

Noboru Nakatani, Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer, NEC Corporation, said: “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.”