Japan authorizes the export of sixth-generation fighter jets for the first time
The Government of Japan has given the green light to the export of its next-generation fighter jets, currently under development. This change marks a significant departure from the pacifist principles rooted in the country's post-World War II identity.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, leading the move, aims to push Japan toward a more assertive role on the global stage while boosting its revenue through the domestic arms industry. However, the decision is sparking controversy both nationally and internationally. First, what caused this change of heart?
No longer just a supporter of other people's programs
Under revised guidelines for arms exports, Japan wants to export next-generation fighter jets developed jointly with Italy and the United Kingdom (GCAP program). According to the BBC , these fighter jets will leverage artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to assist pilots.
In announcing the decision, the Cabinet said that "a ban on exports of finished products would hamper efforts to develop the new jet and limit Japan to a supporting role." Italy and the UK are keen to sell the jet to recoup development and production costs, AP reports . Furthermore, exporting the jet would boost Japan's defense industry. So the Japanese statutory limitation would have reduced his ability to participate.
While the Government says it currently has no plans to export other co-developed lethal weapons, the decision nevertheless sets a precedent for potential future exports of advanced military technology. A taboo is overcome and Japan sets out on the path that will lead it to be an important player in the advanced weapons sector.
The new jets – intended to replace Japan's aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighters – are expected to be deployed by 2035. This joint venture with Italy and the United Kingdom, called the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), marks Tokyo's first defense equipment partnership with a country other than the United States.
Although Japan was working on the FX, an internal project, an agreement was reached in December 2022 to collaborate with the Tempest, an Italian-British program, which was later renamed GCAP. The project has already generated a study prototype, the Tempest.
GCAP hypothesis
Strengthen Japan's defense
The decision comes ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's official visit to the United States in April. He is expected to highlight Tokyo's alliance with Washington and his country's willingness to become more involved in defense partnerships.
Amid escalating regional tensions, particularly the increase in joint military exercises between China and Russia, the new fighter jet will reassure the nation by offering greater detection and stealth capabilities.
Japan had resorted to its pacifist policies following the nation's devastation and defeat in World War II. With these policies, the ban on the export of lethal weapons came into force.
Despite all these justifications from the Government, the decision has sparked heated debates both nationally and abroad. According to the AP, critics argue that Japan's embrace of arms exports undermines its pacifist principles. Opposition lawmakers criticized the Government for taking this historic decision without seeking approval from the public and the opposition.
Japan will now look to export the jet to several countries with which it has partnered, including the United States, Germany, India and Vietnam.
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The article Japan authorizes, for the first time, the export of sixth-generation fighters comes from Economic Scenarios .
This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/il-giappone-autorizza-per-la-prima-volta-lesportazione-di-caccia-di-sesta-generazione/ on Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:00:54 +0000.