Japan to develop a strategy for the global development of the defense industry

24 November, 2024 Production of Type 10 tanks at the MHI plant. Photo: Galileo CH The Japanese government is seeking to develop a strategy for the global development of the defense industry and exports.

This was outlined in the report of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The main direction of supporting the country's defense capability and the development of the defense industry is competition, which allows companies to improve developments in certain types of weapons and compete for victory in military tenders. Given that the defense sector consists of a large supply chain that mainly includes companies operating in both the military and civilian markets, the Ministry is seeking to increase the number of companies to be involved in the defense industry.

A Type 19 wheeled self-propelled howitzer during Fuji Firepower 2020 demonstrations.

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One of the key areas is investing in small companies seeking to enter the Japanese defense market. This will contribute to creating a strong defense sector in the future. Another important aspect is the realization of export potential.

Japan is one of the few countries worldwide that produces a wide range of exportable weapons. This applies to such areas as armor, missile technology, shipbuilding, firearms, anti-tank weapons, transport and patrol aircraft, etc. The opening of defense exports will not only provide additional financial support but will also help the country and its defense companies find new partners to jointly develop advanced technologies.

Currently, Japan and its defense companies are actively cooperating with only two countries - the United States and the United Kingdom. In the case of the United States, cooperation is focused on the joint development of strategically important weapons, such as SM-3 anti-missile systems, AN/SPY-1 and the latest AN/SPY-7 ship radars, modernization of F-15 fighter aircraft, and the purchase and production of helicopters under license.

Render of a possible appearance of a promising fighter jet under the GCAP program. Photo credits: Mitsubishi

Cooperation with the United Kingdom is at an early stage, but it has started with an important project - developing a new generation aircraft under the GCAP (Global Combat Air Program), known in Japan as the F-X.

The promising fighter jet, which will be produced in Japan, is intended to replace the Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft in the Self-Defense Air Force.

Within the GCAP framework, Japan has made a significant breakthrough by opening up opportunities to export its own equipment to be used on GCAP aircraft in the UK and Italy, as well as to potential customers such as Saudi Arabia.

Militarnyi previously reported that Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) will cooperate with European companies from France and Germany to develop railguns.