Japan: The cabinet of Japan has authorised the export of new fighter jets that are being developed in partnership with the UK and Italy. This decision marks a significant shift from Japan’s pacifist policies.
The country alleviated its arms export regulations to enable the sale of these fighter jets to countries that signed defence pacts with Japan, and where there is no ongoing conflict. Japan promised to double its military spending by 2027, mentioning the dangers posed by China and North Korea. The government also said that each fighter jet sale would require cabinet consent.
In December 2022, Japan joined a UK-Italy collaboration known as the Tempest. This partnership aims to develop a new fighter jet that will utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and progressive sensors to assist pilots. The jets are anticipated to be deployed by 2035, marking Tokyo’s first partnership for defence equipment development with a country other than the US.
Fumio Kishida, the Prime Minister of Japan, is scheduled to visit the US in April and is envisioned to emphasise Japan’s collaboration with the US and willingness to improve its participation in defence partnerships. Kishida stated that permitting the export of warplanes to third countries is ‘necessary’ for Tokyo’s credibility as an associate in forthcoming global defence projects.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, the government spokesman, commented that, “The plan to make fighter jets with capabilities essential for the security of our nation must be realised to ensure that our nation’s defences won’t be compromised.”
Japan’s Defense Minister, Minoru Kihara, stated that Japan would continue to uphold its promise of being a pacifist nation while also following strict decision-making processes for exports. After World War II, Japan embraced a constitution that renounced war and the use of force to settle international confrontations. The constitution does not officially acknowledge the army and limits it to self-defence abilities.
In the past, Japan imposed an arms export ban which was later relieved in 2014 by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In December 2023, Japan further eased the laws to allow the export of lethal weapons created under foreign licenses to the country where the licenser is based. This modification made way for Japan to ship Patriot air defence missiles to the United States. It’s worth noting that Patriot missiles are considered among the most progressive weapons supplied by the US to Ukraine.
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