On Tuesday, the Government of Japan decided to mitigate strict national rules for the sale of weapons to third countries. This opens the way to export the next generation fighters together with the United Kingdom and Italy.
The Prime Minister Fumio Cabinet approved the updated governing principles of the transfer of defense equipment and technologies after the consent of his ruling liberal-democratic party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Committee Party to review the current rules of export of military products.
One of the key obstacles to the implementation of the three percent project was Japan's consent to sell future fighters in the world market. However, the approved rules provide for restrictions: exports of fighters will be allowed only to countries that plan to develop them by 2035 and do not participate in hostilities. In addition, potential buyers should be limited to countries with which Japan has agreements on the transfer of defense equipment with only 15 countries, including the United States.
These restrictions are imposed to reassure the Comayo Party and to consent to review the export rules of military products. Japan remains devoted to its pacifist philosophy, and every future sale will require separate consideration and approval by the government.
Currently, work on developing a fighter is at the stage of projection, and three countries plan to develop specifications and productivity requirements over the next five years.
Due to the increase in China's military influence in the Indian-Pacific, this program will be the first joint agreement on weapons development, except for the United States Agreement.
In December, Japan has already revised the rules of weapons export and allowed to send weapons of domestic production under a foreign license to the country where the licensee is located.
