Japan eases arms export rules to promote fighter jet project.
Japan has relaxed rules governing arms exports, allowing fighter jets being jointly developed with UK and Italy to be sold globally. The cabinet approved easing restrictions to permit sales to countries Japan has defence pacts with, where no ongoing conflict exists.
It’s a move away from pacifist policies after joining a £2.5 billion ($3 billion) UK-Italy project called ‘Tempest’ to develop next-gen jets using advanced tech by 2035.
The partnership marks Tokyo’s first overseas collaboration on developing defence equipment, apart from its longtime ally US.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to reinforce the Japan-US alliance during an upcoming visit to Washington, signalling Tokyo’s growing involvement in partnerships.
He had said jet exports are necessary to maintain credibility in future international projects. However, Defence Minister assured Japan stays committed to pacifist constitution through strict evaluation of exports.
Since World War 2, Japan’s US-penned constitution bans war and limits military to self-defence. It had eased arms export curbs twice earlier to cooperate more globally on security.
The recent rule change allows transferring US-licensed lethal weapons like Patriot missiles to partner nations.
