In a recent departure from its pacifist plans, Japan’s government approved the import of new fighter jet it is developing with the UK and Italy.
The jets, which are scheduled to be deployed by 2035, can now be exported to nations that Japan has signed defense agreements with and where there is n’t any ongoing conflict, thanks to a relaxed export ban.
Each purchase will involve government approval, officials said.
In response to regional tensions, Tokyo has been changing its pacifist approach.
In response to threats posed by China and North Korea, Japan had announced earlier in 2022 that it would increase its military investing in the next five years.
The most recent action comes ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s scheduled formal visit to the US in April, where he is expected to emphasise Tokyo’s ties to Washington and his nation’s willingness to become more active in defense alliances.
Additionally, Mr. Kishida claimed that it is “necessary” to permit the import of warplanes to next countries to maintain Tokyo’s reputation as a partner in upcoming global defense projects.
The government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday that the plan to develop fighter jets with capabilities essential for the security of our country must be realized in order to ensure that our nation’s defenses wo n’t be compromised.
Minoru Kihara, the country’s defense minister, clarified that, despite going through” strict choice processes” for exports, Japan may still continue to support the “basic viewpoint of a peacenik nation.”
This is Tokyo’s first defense-related growth relationship with a nation besides the US.
The US-occupied Japan adopted a law that exhorts the nation to declare war and the use of power to resolve international disputes following World War Two. The government is limited to self-defense capabilities by the constitution, which does not formally recognize it.
Additionally, it imposed an arms trade restrictions, which was lifted for the first time in 2014 under then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan eased the restrictions even more in December 2023, making it possible for the export of destructive arms made abroad.