Japan, Britain to launch joint research into fighter jet missile technology
Months after Tokyo lifted a ban on weapons exports, media reports indicate agreement to develop missile technology with the UK and a parts deal with the US for its Patriot system
Japan and Britain are to jointly develop missile technology for fighter jets, while Tokyo may also start exporting Japanese-made parts for US surface-to-air missiles, a report said on Thursday.
The plan – which comes months after Japan lifted a self-imposed ban on weapons exports – was likely to be approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet at a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, the Mainichi newspaper reported, without citing sources.
The joint research with Britain was linked to a European missile project called Meteor, while the parts exports would be destined for Washington’s Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missile defence system, the report said.
If approved, the US exports would be the first since Japan in April approved a new policy that replaces its 1967 blanket ban on shipping arms overseas, the Mainichi said.
Under the new rules, weapon sales are still banned to conflict-plagued countries or nations that could undermine international peace and security, and they must contribute to international peace and boost pacifist Japan’s security.