Closer defense-industrial cooperation between Japan and NATO could prove critical in Asia¡¯s tense security environment, Tokyo's first dedicated ambassador to the political and military alliance has said, as this will not only boost interoperability with partner forces but also result in ¡°more robust¡± defense supply chains.

¡°If we can achieve greater coordination with European industries ¡ª along with those in the United States and Canada ¡ª then this will be of great benefit for the Self-Defense Forces,¡± Ambassador Osamu Izawa said in a recent exclusive interview with The Japan Times.

Tokyo and the 32-member alliance are aiming to take ties to the next level through ¡°more practical¡± cooperation.