Mission

The Mutual Defense Assistance Office (MDAO) is a joint service organization that facilitates defense equipment and technology exchanges between the governments and industries of Japan and the United States. Specifically, we:

• Promote a robust security assistance program through:
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
  • Co-production and licensed production arrangements
  • Equipment and logistical support
  • Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) by US industry
  • Military education and training

• Oversee cooperative armaments/ R&D efforts through:
  • Cooperative technology projects
  • Data Exchange Agreements (DEA)
  • Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP)

• Serve as a conduit between Japan MOD and US Government agencies

Successfully accomplishing our mission will help us meet
the national objectives of:

• Strengthening the U.S.-Japan security relationship
• Enhancing interoperability
• Assisting U.S. industry
• Effectively using limited U.S. & Japanese resources
• Improving the capabilities of the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF)