Japan close to defence accord with India that could help seal US-2 amphibious aircraft sale
Any defence accord between the two nations would be closely watched by regional powerhouse China
Japan and India are likely to reach next month a broad defence accord that is seen as a step toward exporting Japanese-made amphibious aircraft, Japanese government sources said.
An accord on the transfer of defence equipment and technology is expected to be sealed when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits India December 11-13, reflecting Japan's desire to have closer ties with India over maritime security to counter China's growing assertiveness at sea.
Since Tokyo eased its nearly half-century ban on defence equipment exports in April 2014, Japan and India have accelerated talks over India's possible purchase of US-2 amphibious aircraft.
The aircraft can take off and land at sea even in bad weather and has a flight range of more than 4,500 kilometres. India is considering using the aircraft to enhance its sea patrol capability, the sources said. Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force uses the aircraft for rescue operations.
But the two countries have yet to conclude negotiations that have continued more than two years, given the relatively high cost of the aircraft, about 12 billion yen (US$98 million).
The accord, aimed at preventing the leak of Japan's technology, would ban India from transferring the equipment or technology to a third-party without Japan's consent.