On March 26, 2024, Japan’s Cabinet approved a plan to sell to other countries the next-generation fighter jets it is developing with Britain and Italy, in the latest step away from the country’s post-war pacifist principles. The controversial decision to allow international arms sales is expected to secure Japan’s role in the joint fighter jet project, bolster the Japanese arms industry and strengthen its role in global security. The Cabinet also approved a revision to Japan’s arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines to allow the sale of manufactured lethal weapons to countries other than partners.[i]
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the changes were necessary given Japan’s security environment, but emphasized that Japan’s pacifist principles had not changed. “In order to obtain a fighter jet that meets the required performance and avoid jeopardizing Japan’s defense, it is necessary to transfer finished products from Japan to countries other than partner nations,” Hayashi said, adding that Tokyo will follow a strict approval process for jet sales. “We have made it clear that we will continue to adhere to our basic philosophy as a peaceful nation.”[ii]
Japan has long restricted arms exports under the country’s pacifist constitution. However, it has moved rapidly towards liberalization amid rising regional and global tensions stemming from North Korea. The decision on the jets will allow Japan to export lethal jointly produced weapons to other countries for the first time. Japan is working with Italy and the UK to produce an advanced fighter jet to replace its aging fleet of American-designed F-2 fighter jets and the Eurofighter Typhoons used by the British and Italian militaries.[iii]
Japan, which had previously been working on an indigenous design to be called the F-X, agreed in December 2022 to combine its efforts with a British-Italian program called Tempest for deployment in 2035. The joint project, known as the “Global Combat Air Program” or “GCAP”, is based in the UK. Japan hopes that the new aircraft will provide it with the advanced capabilities it needs amid growing tensions in the region and give it a technological edge over regional rivals China and Russia. Due to the devastation that followed its defeat in the Second World War and its proactive history, Japan adopted a constitution that limits its military to self-defense. The country has long maintained a strict policy of limiting transfers of military equipment and technology and banning all exports of lethal weapons.[iv]
Opponents criticized the Fumio Kishida government for undertaking the fighter jet project without public explanation or approval for this major policy change. To address such concerns, the government is currently limiting exports of the lethal weapons being developed to jets and has promised that no sales will be made for use in active combat. The government has also stated that the revised guidelines only apply to the jet for now, which will require Cabinet approval. Potential buyers will also be limited to the 15 countries with which Japan has signed defense partnership and equipment transfer agreements. Recent polls show that public opinion is divided on the plan.
In 2014, Japan began exporting some non-lethal military equipment, and in a final move in December 2023, it approved an amendment allowing the resale to licensees of 80 lethal weapons and components produced under licenses from other countries. The amendment paved the way for Japan to sell Patriot missiles to the United States, helping to replace the munitions Washington sent to Ukraine. In its decision, the Cabinet said the arms export ban on finished products would hamper efforts to develop the new jet and limit Japan to a supporting role in the project. Italy and the United Kingdom appear willing to sell the jet to cover development and production costs.[v]
Kishida had sought Cabinet approval before signing the GCAP agreement in February this year, but was delayed due to resistance from his junior coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito Party. This change also comes ahead of Kishida’s important state visit to Washington in April 2024. As Kishida seeks to strengthen the military, exports will also help strengthen Japan’s defense industry, which has historically served only the country’s Self-Defense Forces. Despite its efforts over the last decade, the sector still struggles to attract customers.
Japan’s decision to move away from its post-war pacifist policies and allow international arms sales is emphasized in these developments. One of the main reasons behind this shift is the growing security concerns in the region. In particular, the rise of regional rivals such as North Korea and Russia has led Japan to increase its defense capacity and maintain its technological superiority.
At the same time, Japan’s participation in the development of next-generation fighter jets with the UK and Italy is also underlined. This joint project can be seen as a strategic step towards strengthening Japan’s role in international relations and its defense industry.
On the other hand, Japan’s post-war constitutional constraints have been cited as one of the obstacles to the adoption of such an arms sales policy. The fact that this decision met with opposition reflects domestic political difficulties.
Moreover, it is emphasized that Japan seeks to enhance regional and global security through cooperation with international partners. This means that Japan aims not only to enhance its own defense capacity but also to promote regional stability.
In addition, such a policy change by Japan would have diplomatic and economic implications. Increased international arms sales could help Japan become more of an actor in the international arena and contribute to the growth of its defense industry.
In conclusion, this change in Japan’s international arms sales policy may contribute to strengthening the country’s defense industry and becoming a more effective actor in the international arena. However, the long-term effects of this policy should be carefully monitored in terms of its impact on the balance in international relations and regional security. How Japan implements this new policy and cooperates with its international partners are among the key factors that will shape future developments.
[i] “Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-fighter-jet-plan-military-uk-italy-48e8f39c549232fe13ed67ddff0bfac4, (Accessed: 26.03.2024).
[ii] “Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles”, ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-approves-plan-sell-fighter-jets-nations-latest-108484603, (Date of Access: 26.03.2024).
[iii] “Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-fighter-jet-plan-military-uk-italy-48e8f39c549232fe13ed67ddff0bfac4, (Accessed: 26.03.2024).
[iv] “Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles”, Japan Today, https://japantoday.com/category/politics/why-is-japan-changing-its-ban-on-exporting-lethal-weapons-and-why-is-it-so-controversial, (Date of Access: 26.03.2024).
[v] “Japan Approves Plan to Sell Fighter Jets to Other Nations in Latest Break from Pacifist Principles”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-fighter-jet-plan-military-uk-italy-48e8f39c549232fe13ed67ddff0bfac4, (Accessed: 26.03.2024).
