Japan clears path for fighter jet exports in shift from pacifist stance

26-3-2024 (TOKYO) In a significant departure from Japan’s longstanding pacifist principles, the nation’s Cabinet approved a controversial plan on Tuesday to permit the export of next-generation fighter jets it is jointly developing with Britain and Italy to other countries worldwide.

The move, which paves the way for Tokyo to sell the advanced warplanes internationally for the first time, is viewed as bolstering Japan’s role in the trilateral aviation project while strengthening its domestic arms industry and global security footprint.

Alongside greenlighting fighter jet sales, the Cabinet also endorsed revisions to Japan’s arms export guidelines to allow the international transfer of domestically co-produced lethal weapons – a precedent-setting policy change for the longtime weapons export prohibitionist.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi defended the decisions as necessary given Japan’s security environment, though insisted the country’s pacifist underpinnings remain intact.

“In order to achieve a fighter aircraft that meets the necessary performance and to avoid jeopardising the defence of Japan, it is necessary to transfer finished products from Japan to countries other than partner countries,” Hayashi told reporters, adding Tokyo will enforce strict vetting for prospective jet buyers.

“We have clearly demonstrated that we will continue to adhere to our basic philosophy as a peaceful nation.”

The pivotal Cabinet votes reflect Japan’s accelerating efforts to relax martial constraints amid escalating regional tensions, especially from neighbouring China’s growing assertiveness. For decades, the nation’s exports of lethal military gear were universally banned under its post-World War II pacifist constitution.

Japan is collaborating with the UK and Italy on developing an advanced multirole combat aircraft codenamed GCAP (Global Combat Air Program) slated for introduction by 2035. The state-of-the-art fighter is envisioned replacing Japan’s ageing fleet of US-designed F-2s and the Eurofighter Typhoons flown by British and Italian forces.

Ability to market the joint stealth jet globally is considered crucial for recouping substantial development costs. But opponents have assailed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration for pursuing the major policy reversal without substantive public consultation.

In an apparent compromise, the revised guidelines temporarily limit foreign arms sales to only the tri-nation fighter project for now. Potential exports would furthermore require Cabinet approval and be restricted to Japan’s 15 designated defence partner states not engaged in open conflicts.

Polls suggest public opinion remains divided over renouncing the traditional export prohibitions. But the Cabinet rulings reflect Kishida’s determination to augment Japan’s military capacities and underwrite its defence industry for an era of sharpening geopolitical rivalries.

With plans for a US state visit next month where showcasing the fighter project is expected, the PM positioned the export reforms as Japan assuming a greater responsibility for regional security and closer coordination with allies – essentially expediting its transition away from a purely defensive military posture.