Japan Approves Sale of Fighter Jets Abroad
Japan's decision is seen as the country's latest signal to start abandoning its pacifist principles.
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A Mitsubishi F-2 jet aircraft belonging to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force was seen at the Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka, Kyushu Island, in March 2010. Japan is currently developing its latest fighter jets together with Britain and Italy.
TOKYO, TUESDAY – The Japanese government is ready to export fighter jets. This is the country's latest step which is seen as a signal to start abandoning the anti-war (pacifist) principles in the Japanese constitution adopted after World War II.
The Japanese Cabinet in Tokyo approved on Tuesday (26/3/2024) a plan to sell the latest generation fighter jets, which are being developed together with England and Italy, to other countries. This step was taken to ensure Japan's role in the joint project and to develop Japan's military industry, as well as to increase Japan's role in international security.
The Cabinet led by PM Fumio Kishida also pushes for a revision of regulations on the transfer of military weapons and technology to allow for joint production of lethal weapons to countries outside of working partners.
Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that these changes are necessary regarding Japan's security environment. He emphasized that there is no change in the passive principles adhered to by Japan.
"In order to realize fighter jets that meet the required performance and avoid any threats to Japan's defense, it is necessary to transfer finished products from Japan to non-partner countries," said Hayashi.
He affirmed that Tokyo will adhere to the approval process for the future sale of fighter jets. "We have clearly demonstrated that we will continue to uphold our basic philosophy as a peaceful country," Hayashi said.
Yoshimasa Hayashi (center), former Japanese Foreign Minister and now Chief Cabinet Secretary in Japan, arrives at the Prime Minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, on December 14th, 2023.
After World War II ended in 1945, in accordance with a peace-oriented constitution, Japan banned the export of weaponry. However, in recent years, Japan has taken extreme steps by becoming increasingly involved in various global issues. This is also in response to the rising tensions in the region and globally, especially from its neighbor, China.
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The Japanese Cabinet's decision enables Japan to export fighter jets or engage in joint production for the first time in its post-Pacific War history.
Currently, Japan is collaborating with Italy and England to develop modern fighter jets to replace the F-2 local variant of the American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Eurofighter Typhoon used by England and Italy's fleets.
Currently, Japan has a fleet of fighter jets, including the American-made F-15 Eagle, Mitsubishi F-2, and F-35 Lightning II. In addition, Japan uses trainer fighter jets such as Kawasaki T-4, Fuji T-3, and the American-made Hawker 400.
A United States Marine Corps Osprey aircraft arrives at Marine Base, Futenma, in Ginowan, Okinawa, October 2012.
Previously, Japan has been developing domestic fighter jet research through the F-X project. In December 2022, Tokyo agreed to merge the project with the UK-Italy research project named Tempest. The project aims to produce a fighter jet that is expected to be operational in 2035.
The program is called the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), based in the United Kingdom. Japan hopes that the new fighter jet will have an advantage amidst competition in the region with Russia and China.
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Considering the aggressive behavior and destruction experienced during World War II, Japan adopted a pro-peace constitution that limits military capabilities to a Self-Defense Force (Jiei Kietai) or Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF). The Japanese government has long banned the export of weapons and military technology transfer, as well as deadly weapons.
The opposition party criticized PM Fumio Kishida for allowing his country's involvement in a fighter jet project without explaining it to the Japanese public or clarifying the policy change allowing for arms exports.
To deal with criticism and pressure, the Japanese government restricted exports to jointly produced weapons and promised not to export them to parties involved in the ongoing war. Tokyo Japan also confirmed that revised regulations regarding weapons exports only apply to fighter jets. It must also be approved by the Japanese Cabinet.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with his cabinet, approved the exportation of Japanese fighter jets on Tuesday (26/3/2024). Following World War II, Japan adopted a peaceful, anti-war stance, which included a policy of not allowing the exportation of weapons.
Potential buyers of Japanese-made fighter jets are also limited to only 15 countries that have signed defense cooperation and arms transfer agreements.
In 2014, the Japanese government began exporting non-lethal military components. After that, in December 2023, the rules were changed to allow the export of 80 lethal weapons and their spare parts made under license from other countries.
The change in regulations allows Japan to export Japanese-made Patriot missiles under a US license, which will be sent from Washington to Ukraine.
The Japanese Cabinet explained that the arms export ban hinders Japan's efforts to develop modern fighter jets and limits their capabilities in similar projects. Italy and Japan are very interested in exporting these modern fighter jets to reduce the burden of research and production expenses.
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PM Kishida requires the approval of the Japanese Cabinet before signing the GCAP which was delayed in February 2024 due to objections from coalition partner, the Komeito Party, which is based on Buddhist teachings.
The policy change is in line with Kishida's upcoming visit to the United States in April 2024. In Washington, he is expected to discuss Japan's greater role in defense industry partnership with the US.
Weapon exports also drive the growth of Japan's defense industry sector which traditionally only served the needs of the Self-Defense Forces. In the decades before, Japan's defense industry had also tried to attract consumers.
During the commemoration of Japan's Self-Defense Forces Day in Jakarta, several defense industry products that can be used for civilian purposes are showcased every year, such as water distillation tools, emergency electric equipment, and emergency facilities for airport telecommunications. (AP)
