## Japan Approves Arms Export Plan for Joint Fighter Jet Project
The Japanese Cabinet has approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets, developed in collaboration with Britain and Italy, to other countries. This decision marks a significant shift from the country's long-held pacifist principles.
The move is expected to secure Japan's role in the joint fighter jet project and bolster its arms industry, contributing to its growing role in global security. The revised arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines will allow co-produced lethal weapons to be sold to countries beyond the project partners.
This decision comes amidst rising regional and global tensions, particularly from China. Japan's pacifist constitution has traditionally restricted arms exports, but recent developments have prompted a shift towards deregulation.
The new fighter jet, developed in collaboration with Italy and the UK, is intended to replace Japan's aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighters and the Eurofighter Typhoons used by the UK and Italian militaries. The joint project, known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aims for deployment in 2035.
The advanced capabilities of the new aircraft are expected to provide Japan with a technological edge against regional rivals like China and Russia. However, the decision has faced criticism for its lack of public explanation and approval.
To address these concerns, the government has limited exports of co-developed lethal weapons for the jet and promised no sales for use in active wars. The revised guideline currently applies only to the jet and requires Cabinet approval for future expansions. Potential buyers will be limited to the 15 countries with which Japan has defense partnership and equipment transfer deals.
Public opinion on the plan remains divided. While Japan began exporting some nonlethal military supplies in 2014, the recent approval of lethal weapons sales to licensors, such as the U.S.-designed Patriot missiles to the United States, marks a significant change.
The Cabinet argues that the arms export ban on finished products would hinder the development of the new jet and limit Japan's role in the project. Additionally, Italy and the UK are eager to make sales to defray development and manufacturing costs.
This decision comes ahead of Prime Minister Kishida's planned April state visit to Washington, where he is expected to emphasize Japan's readiness for a greater role in military and defense industry partnerships. The move also aims to boost Japan's defense industry, which has historically catered only to the country's Self Defense Force.