Japan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations
Japan's Cabinet has approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets that it's developing with Britain and Italy to other countries, in the latest move away from the country's pacifist principles.
The decision to allow international arms sales is expected to help secure Japan's role in the joint fighter jet project and is part of a move to build up the Japanese arms industry and increase its role in global security.
The Cabinet also endorsed a revision to Japan's arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines to allow coproduced lethal weapons to be sold to countries other than the partners.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the changes are necessary given Japan's security environment, but stressed that Japan's pacifist principles remain unchanged.
"We have clearly demonstrated that we will continue to adhere to our basic philosophy as a peaceful nation," he said.
Japan is working with Italy and the UK to develop an advanced fighter jet that will replace its aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighters, and the Eurofighter Typhoons used by the UK and Italian militaries.
Japan hopes the new plane will offer advanced capabilities that will give it a technological edge against regional rivals China and Russia.
Following its defeat in World War II, Japan adopted a constitution that limits its military to self-defense. The country long maintained a strict policy to ban all exports of lethal weapons.
Recent polls suggest that public opinion is divided on the plan and opponents have criticized the government for committing to the fighter jet project without providing an explanation to the public or seeking approval for the major policy change.
However, the government is limiting exports of codeveloped lethal weapons to the jet for now, and has promised no sales will be made for use in active wars. Potential purchasers will be limited to 15 countries that Japan has signed defense partnership and equipment transfer deals with.
Exports would help boost Japan's defense industry, which historically has catered only to the country's Self Defense Force, as Prime Minister Kishida seeks to build up the military.
