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TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved plans to sell future next-generation fighter jets to other countries, the latest step away from the pacifist principles Japan adopted at the end of World War II. It is.
The controversial decision to allow international sales of weapons is expected to help secure Japan’s role in a year-long project to develop a new fighter jet jointly with Italy and Britain, but it It is also part of efforts to foster Japan’s arms industry and strengthen Japan’s military power. Role in world affairs.
For now, the Japanese government says it has no plans to export any of the jointly developed lethal weapons other than the new fighter jet, which is not scheduled to be deployed until 2035.
Here’s a look at what the latest changes are and why Japan is rapidly easing arms export controls.
What has changed?
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved revised guidelines for overseas sales of defense equipment and authorized future jet sales. The government says it has no plans to export other jointly developed weapons based on the guidelines, and any export would require Cabinet approval.
Japan has long banned most arms exports based on its pacifist constitution, but as tensions in the region and around the world increase, Japan has begun to take steps toward change. In 2014, the country began exporting some non-lethal military supplies, and in December last year it introduced changes that allow licensors to sell 80 types of lethal weapons and parts manufactured under license from other countries. Acknowledged. The changes, made in December, paved the way for Japan to sell American-designed Patriot missiles to the United States, to help replace the ammunition Washington is sending to Ukraine.
The decision regarding the jets will allow Japan, for the first time, to export a jointly produced lethal weapon to another country.
What is the new fighter?
Japan is working with Italy and Britain to develop an advanced fighter jet to replace the aging U.S.-designed F-2 fighter jet and Eurofighter Typhoon used by the British and Italian militaries.
Japan had previously been working on an indigenous design called FX, but agreed in December 2022 to merge that effort with the British-Italian project Tempest. The joint project, known as the Global Combat Air Program, is based in the UK and a new name for the design has not yet been announced.
Japan hopes the new plane will offer better sensing and stealth capabilities, giving it a technological edge over regional rivals China and Russia as tensions rise in the region.
Why is Japan changing its stance on arms exports?
The cabinet said in its decision that a ban on exports of finished products would hamper efforts to develop the new jet and Japan would be limited to a supporting role in the project. Italy and Britain are keen to sell the plane to cover development and manufacturing costs.
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps reiterated that Japan needs to “update” the project to avoid stalling it.
Kishida sought Cabinet approval before signing the GCAP agreement in February, but approval was delayed due to resistance from the Buddhist-backed Komeito Party, his junior partner in the coalition government.
As Prime Minister Kishida aims to build up its military, exports will also help revitalize Japan’s defense industry, which has historically catered only to the Self-Defense Forces. Japan began opening its doors to some exports in 2014, but the industry still struggles to find customers.
The changes come as Kishida is scheduled to make a state visit to Washington in April, where he is expected to emphasize Japan’s readiness to play a greater role in military and defense industry partnerships.
Japan views China’s rapid military buildup and increasing assertiveness, particularly the escalating tensions in the disputed East China Sea and South China Sea, as a threat. Japan also views the increasing number of joint military exercises between China and Russia around Japan as a threat.
Why are arms exports so divisive?
Because of its wartime past as an aggressor and its devastation following its defeat in World War II, Japan adopted a constitution that limited its military to self-defense, restricted the transfer of military equipment and technology, and prohibited the export of military weapons. For many years, the country has maintained a strict policy of banning all. Lethal weapon.
Opposition politicians and peace activists have criticized the Kishida administration for embarking on the fighter jet program without explaining it to the public or seeking approval for major policy changes.
Recent polls show public opinion is divided on the plan.
To address these concerns, the government is currently restricting the export of jointly developed lethal weapons to jet aircraft and has pledged not to sell them for use in actual war. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said Japan would stop supplying spare parts and other parts if the buyer begins using the fighter jets in war.
What’s next?
Potential markets for the jet include the 15 countries with which Japan has defense partnership agreements, including the United States, Germany, India and Vietnam. Defense officials said Taiwan, an autonomous island that China claims as its own territory, was not taken into account. He spoke on condition of anonymity due to press conference regulations.
More weapons and parts may be added to the approval list under new export guidelines.
Kishida is likely to discuss the possibility of new defense and arms industry cooperation with U.S. leaders when he visits Washington in April. This new policy could also help push Japan to play a greater role in alliances and regional defense partnerships such as Australia, the US and the UK’s AUKUS.
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