Remarkable decision from Japan: Eased arms exports

The Japanese government has approved a bill that eases strict rules on the export of defense equipment to overseas countries. This paves the way for the overseas sale of a new fighter jet, which is planned to be jointly produced by the UK, Italy, and Japan by 2035.

The export of the fighter jets will be limited to countries that have signed a "defense equipment and technology transfer agreement" with Japan.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's cabinet announced the work done on the new rules, which were agreed upon by the ruling coalition partners, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito.

The Kishida cabinet has softened the "principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology," which includes facilitating overseas exports.

According to the revised regulations, Japan will be able to export the joint fighter jet to a third country, provided that the country is not currently "engaged in active combat."

Cabinet approval will be required before each individual overseas sale.

There are currently 15 countries, including the US, that have signed a "transfer agreement."

Defense Minister Kihara Minoru stated in his announcement that exports would undergo "strict decision-making processes" and that Japan would remain committed to the "fundamental philosophy of a pacifist nation."

Noting that the aircraft project is "currently in the design phase," Kihara said the three countries aim to design its features and performance over the "next five years or more."

In its statement, the cabinet also noted that Japan must have an "export plan" to ensure it can participate in the trilateral project as an "equal partner."

It is stated that Japan aims to increase its cooperation and projects with NATO member countries, including the UK and Italy, in the face of China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan continues to deepen its cooperation with its allies in the bloc following Prime Minister Kishida Fumio becoming the "first Japanese Prime Minister" to attend a NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022.

The joint fighter jet production project between the UK, Italy, and Japan is described as the East Asian country's first joint defense equipment development project outside of its security ally, the US.

Experts from Mitsubishi Heavy of Japan, BAE Systems of the UK, and Leonardo S.p.A of Italy, the main contractors for the fighter jet project, are part of the coordination board.

Under the "Global Combat Air Programme," which was announced to the public in December 2022, the coordination board aims to complete the design of the fighter jet by 2027.

News Source: AA