Japan‘s cabinet has authorized the export of state-of-the-art fighter jets, crafted in collaboration with the UK and Italy, this marks a departure from its historical pacifism.
Relaxing arms export regulations, Japan now permits the sale of these jets to nations with which it has defense agreements, provided there are no active conflicts.
Japan has committed to doubling its military expenditure by 2027, citing concerns over the perceived threats from China and North Korea. It’s been clarified that each sale of fighter jets will necessitate approval from the cabinet, according to authorities.
Japan entered into a partnership with the UK and Italy in December 2022, participating in the Tempest collaboration to develop a next-generation fighter jet leveraging artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art sensors to support pilots.
Ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s scheduled visit to the US next month, the recent development highlights Tokyo’s emphasis on strengthening ties with Washington and its preparedness to enhance defense alliances.
Additionally, Mr. Kishida emphasized the importance of permitting the export of warplanes to third nations as “essential” to uphold Tokyo’s credibility as a collaborator in forthcoming global defense endeavors.
“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,” government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday.
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But Japan’s Defence Minister Minoru Kihara clarified that that Japan would still remain committed to the “basic philosophy of a pacifist nation” by going through “strict decision processes” for exports.
After World War II, Japan, under US occupation, ratified a constitution affirming its rejection of warfare and the use of force in resolving international disputes. The constitution refrains from according official status to the military and confines its function to self-defense capabilities.
It also instituted a ban on the export of arms, which saw its initial relaxation in 2014 under the administration of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In December 2023, Japan expanded its relaxation of rules to authorize the export of lethal weapons produced under foreign licenses to the nation where the licensor is located.
This action cleared the path for Tokyo to send Patriot air defense missiles to the US, which are among the most advanced weaponry furnished by the US to Ukraine.