Turnbull Services, LLC, SRL, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), proudly participated in DSEI Japan 2025, held from May 21-23 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. As a company dedicated to fostering global partnerships, we leveraged this premier defense event to deepen ties between Japan, Romania, and the USA, emphasizing our shared commitment to a free world, global trade, and strategic collaboration.

First though, my thoughts on Japan

Japan never ceases to amaze me, and my third visit only deepened my admiration for this remarkable country. From the pristine streets of Tokyo, the world’s largest city with 37 million people, to the flawless efficiency of the Shinkansen bullet trains, Japan sets a global standard for cleanliness and infrastructure.

Public spaces, bathrooms, are immaculate, and the nation’s low mandatory car insurance costs, averaging just 6,100 JPY (about 40 USD) annually, reflect its streamlined systems and low accident rates. The vibrant culture, from cutting-edge technology to historic castles and world-class cuisine, makes Japan a must-visit destination. These strengths, efficiency, innovation, and infrastructure expertise, also make Japan an ideal partner for international collaboration. With this in mind, let’s turn to our mission at DSEI Japan to foster Japan-Romania-USA partnerships and drive economic prosperity through future projects and collaborations!

A Platform for Collaboration with Cutting-Edge Technologies

DSEI Japan 2025, Japan’s only large-scale integrated defense event, brought together global defense leaders to address Indo-Pacific security challenges. The event showcased innovative technologies, with a strong focus on unmanned systems, AI, integrated air and missile defense, and cyber capabilities. Notable exhibitors included Japan Marine United (JMU), which displayed new designs like an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and export, as well as the Caimen-Japan Fast Landing Craft developed with the UK’s BMT. Kawasaki also unveiled a naval version of their high-energy laser system aimed at countering aerial threats, while the Japanese Ministry of Defense and Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) presented a futuristic railgunmodel designed to intercept hypersonic missiles.

These advancements align with Japan’s push for defense modernization, supported by a record budget of ¥6.82 trillion for 2023, with plans to double annual spending to 2% of GDP.

Building Bridges Between Nations

At DSEI Japan, Turnbull Services’ Founder and COO, Rob Evans, and European Business Development Manager, Cosmina Paris, engaged with key stakeholders, including Romania’s Ambassador to Japan, Ovidiu Raetchi , and former Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ionel Ciucă.

These meetings, held both at the conference and the Romanian Embassy, highlighted the strong historical ties between Romania and Japan, which date back to 1917. Japan, the largest Asian investor in Romania, has a strategic partnership with Romania initiated in 2018 by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This partnership, reinforced during Prime Minister Ciucă’s 2022 visit to Japan for Abe’s state funeral, emphasizes shared values in security, defense, and economic cooperation.

Our discussions focused on Romania’s role as a NATO ally and logistics hub, particularly through the Port of Constanța, which handled 92.6 million tons of cargo in 2023. Turnbull Services is uniquely positioned to support Japan-Romania-USA collaborations, leveraging our strategic office in Constanța to facilitate trade and reconstruction efforts, such as those for Ukraine. We also explored cultural exchanges, proposing Romanian beverages like Visinata, a sour cherry drink similar to Japanese plum wine, to strengthen ties, reflecting the deep cultural appreciation between the two nations. I truly appreciated Ambassador Raețchi giving me his Japan/Romania pin!

Deepening Japan-Romania Collaboration for Global Impact

With over a century of diplomatic relations since 1917, Japan and Romania share a deep history of collaboration, including Japan’s role as Romania’s largest Asian investor. As Japan considers its role in rebuilding Ukraine, we urge Japanese leaders to establish Constanța as a headquarters for these efforts. The Port of Constanța, handling 92.6 million tons of cargo in 2023, is a proven logistics gateway, already facilitating Ukrainian grain exports since 2022. Establishing Constanța as a hub for Japan’s Ukraine reconstruction efforts could create jobs in Romania, boost bilateral trade, and strengthen economic ties, building on Japan’s long-standing investment in the region. Turnbull Services, with our local expertise and strategic presence in Constanța, is ready to support Japan in coordinating reconstruction initiatives, ensuring efficient and impactful contributions to Ukraine’s recovery while strengthening our historic partnership.

In a reciprocal step to deepen this partnership, we encourage Romania to enhance its defense capabilities by procuring Japanese military equipment. Romania is actively modernizing its military, with a defense budget of 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 and plans to acquire advanced equipment to strengthen its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) role. At DSEI Japan 2025, cutting-edge Japanese technologies were on display, such as Kawasaki’s high-energy laser system for countering aerial threats and the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s railgun tnhat could be used for intercepting hypersonic missiles, systems that could enhance Romania’s air defense and deterrence capabilities in the Black Sea region. Romania could also explore collaboration through initiatives like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), where Japanese technology contributes to next-generation fighter jets, enhancing interoperability with NATO allies. Procuring Japanese equipment would diversify Romania’s defense capabilities, reduce reliance on traditional suppliers, and deepen strategic ties with Japan, a key Indo-Pacific ally. Turnbull Services, LLC, SRL, SH.P.K, with our expertise in logistics and infrastructure, is ready to facilitate the acquisition and integration of Japanese military equipment into Romania’s armed forces, overcoming compatibility challenges to ensure seamless adoption and fostering deeper defense ties.

Turnbull Services – Ready to Support Opportunities

Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, with a European base in Constanța, Romania, Turnbull Services specializes in logistics, infrastructure support, and consulting. Our core competencies include port operations, stevedoring services, and construction, making us an ideal partner for initiatives linking the Black Sea and Indo-Pacific regions. With Romania’s strategic location and our HQ near the Port of Constanța and Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB), we offer unparalleled access to key infrastructure hubs, supporting global trade and security initiatives.

Our presence at DSEI Japan aligns with our mission to strengthen economic prosperity and regional stability. We are ready to support Japan-Romania-USA opportunities by facilitating supply chain solutions, infrastructure projects, and partnerships.

To further capitalize on the strategic potential of Romania’s Port of Constanta as a logistic hub for Japanese goods, we urge the resumption of high-level discussions initiated in 2021 between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) and Japan’s Ambassador to Romania, Hiroshi Ueda. Restarting these talks could unlock new opportunities for Japan-Romania-USA collaboration, leveraging Japan’s expertise in port infrastructure and our capabilities in supply chain solutions and construction. By revitalizing this dialogue, we can enhance Constanta’s role as a pivotal trade gateway, fostering economic prosperity and regional stability while strengthening trilateral partnerships in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A Shared Vision for a Free World

The Japan-Romania-USA relationship is grounded in a mutual commitment to a rules-based world order, global trade, and international partnerships. At DSEI Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “It is now difficult for any single country to defend alone…including, perhaps, the USA.” As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), Turnbull Services aligns with Ishiba’s recognition of the critical role of small businesses in security: “Without SMEs, tanks will not move, and the fighters cannot fly.”

Beyond Japan-Romania-USA ties, Turnbull Services is poised to support broader Indo-Pacific initiatives, such as those involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), by providing logistics solutions through Constanța. We echo this sentiment, advocating for collaborative efforts to ensure peace and stability.

Romania’s upcoming hosting of the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) event in Bucharest in September 2025 will further spotlight Romania’s role in fostering public-private partnerships, and we invite Japanese stakeholders to join us in this endeavor. Turnbull is a proud member of ISOA.

Looking Ahead

Turnbull Services is committed to advancing Japan-Romania-USA collaboration, drawing on our founder’s 30 years of military experience and deep connections in Romania. We stand ready to support initiatives that promote economic growth, security, and innovation across these nations.

Together, let’s build a future rooted in mutual cooperation and a shared vision for a free and prosperous world.

Bibliography:

• Ports Europe (2021): Article detailing the CCIR-Ueda discussions on the Port of Constanta’s potential as a logistic hub for Japanese goods: https://www.portseurope.com/the-port-of-constanta-can-become-an-important-logistic-hub-in-the-movement-and-storage-of-goods-brought-from-japan/
• Romania-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIRJ): Overview of Romania-Japan economic relations, including infrastructure interests: https://ccirj.ro/romanian-japan-investments/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Background on Japan-Romania relations, including 2021 diplomatic engagements: https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/romania/index.html

Turnbull Services: Your Strategic Partner in Romania

In today’s Romania, where history meets modern business opportunities, Turnbull Services stands ready to assist businesses looking to invest in this dynamic and evolving market. With a strategic presence in Constanța and additional offices in Albania and Kosovo, and soon Bucharest and Kyiv, Turnbull Services offers unmatched expertise in navigating Romania’s regulatory landscape and business environment.

Whether you are involved in government and military projects, construction, or base support, Turnbull Services provides comprehensive consulting and logistical support tailored to your unique needs.

Why Partner with Turnbull Services?

Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of the Romanian market ensures a seamless entry for businesses looking to establish themselves in the region.

Comprehensive Solutions: From strategic consulting to on-the-ground logistical support, Turnbull Services offers end-to-end solutions for businesses across industries.

Prime Location: Situated near key infrastructure projects, such as the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base and the Port of Constanța, Turnbull Services is ideally positioned to facilitate efficient business operations.

A Strategic Advantage for Your Business

“There is no country more strategically located than Romania to be the resupply and logistic hub for the rebuilding of Ukraine and Turnbull Services is committed to leveraging its position to promote meaningful partnerships to drive economic growth in Romania and beyond.” Rob Evans, Founder of Turnbull Service.

With Romania’s rich history, cultural significance, and growing economy, the country presents unique opportunities for investment and development. Turnbull Services is committed to being your trusted partner, ensuring that you navigate the complexities of the Romanian market with confidence and success.