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Japan Approves Plan to Develop, Sell Next-Gen Fighter Jets

In a significant move away from postwar pacifism, Japan aims to bolster its global security role and arms industry.

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Britain's Defense Minister Grant Shapps, right, Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, left, and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, center, attend a joint press conference after a signing ceremony for Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) at the defense ministry on Dec. 14, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan. Japan’s Cabinet on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 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 postwar pacifist principles. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to stress Japan’s readiness to take on a greater role in military and defence industry partnerships during an April state visit to Washington. Photo: Jiji Press / AFP
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Overview

  • Japan's Cabinet has approved a plan to develop and sell next-generation fighter jets, marking a significant shift from the country's postwar pacifist principles.
  • The decision aims to secure Japan's role in the joint fighter jet project with Britain and Italy, and to bolster Japan's arms industry and global security role.
  • Revisions to Japan's arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines will now allow for the sale of co-produced lethal weapons to countries other than the project partners.
  • Public opinion in Japan is divided on the plan, with concerns raised about the lack of public explanation and approval for this major policy change.
  • The move is part of Japan's broader strategy to deregulate its arms export policies amid rising regional and global tensions, especially from China.