Japan and Vietnam intend to jointly develop high-speed landing ships

Japan and Vietnam will start discussions on the joint development and production of high-speed landing craft. One possible starting point is developed by Japan Marine United and BMT project Caimen Japan. For Tokyo, this would be another step in the development of industrial cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries.

Agreement after talks in Tokyo

On 13 July, Japan's defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Vietnam's National Defence Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang met in Tokyo. Two days later, the Japanese Ministry of Defence reported that the parties will start talks about the joint development and production of fast landing vessels.

The agreement is a political declaration for now. It does not mean starting project work or placing an order. Both countries are yet to define requirements for future individuals and the principles of industrial cooperation.

During a press conference on July 17, Koizumi explained that the units are to be used to quickly transport soldiers and supplies from transport ships to shore. Could be used both during landing, as well as in post-failure activities.

The minister didn't reveal the technical details. It is not known whether the talks concern a classic landing ship with water-stream propulsors, hovercraft or other construction. Nor is the expected buoyancy, load capacity, speed or schedule given.

Koizumi also referred to the protection of Japanese technologies. He announced the control of the companies participating in the project, the security of the information provided and cooperation with the Vietnamese authorities.

Caimen Japan reference point

The most obvious candidate remains Caimen Japan, i.e. the fast landing unit of the next generation developed for Japanese Self-defense forces.

In February 2025, the Japanese Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics concluded an agreement with Japan Marine United and the British BMT design office. The British company is responsible for the design of the unit, while Japan Marine United will prepare the production documentation and build it in Japan.

The ship is approximately 30 metres long and a distinctive hull with a triple bow section. According to BMT, the unit will develop a speed exceeding 20 knots and transport soldiers, vehicles and equipment directly to the unprepared shore.

Japanese Marine Defense Forces They already have a lot of experience in conducting rapid transport from the ship to shore. They use six U.S. LCAC hovercrafts, which are equipped with three LCACs.

However, Japan did not develop these hovercrafts on its own. Their hulls were provided by American company Textron, while crew training and operation support were provided under Foreign Military Sales.

Caimen Japan to be a step towards developing its own design and production capacity. However, there is no confirmation that this construction will become the basis for cooperation with Vietnam. At this stage, the two countries only agreed to start talks.