Japan has approved a plan to export its upcoming next-generation fighter jets to other countries.
The government’s chief executive body greenlighted the proposed international arms sales on Tuesday and supported revising the country’s arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines, the Associated Press reported.
The decision paves the way for Tokyo to supply partner nations and third countries with co-developed lethal weapons.
According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the move equally supports Japan’s current security requirements and its pacifist principles.
“To achieve a fighter aircraft that meets the necessary performance and to avoid jeopardizing the defense of Japan, it is necessary to transfer finished products from Japan to countries other than partner countries,” Hayashi explained.
The planned fighter jet export involves Japan’s ongoing collaboration with the United Kingdom and Italy to develop a new platform with artificial intelligence capabilities and advanced sensors, BBC reported.
Dubbed the Tempest, the fighters are scheduled for deployment in 2035. Japanese authorities said every aircraft under the arms sale program would require cabinet review and approval.
Japan made the decision ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to the United States in April, where he is expected to reiterate Tokyo’s readiness to actively participate in defense collaborations.
Commenting on his government’s latest action, the premier said that exporting warplanes to third countries will maintain Japan’s credibility as a partner in future international defense projects.