Japan Speeds Up Joint Arms Development With Other Nations

Japan has adopted a new strategy which calls for collaboration with other nations in procurement of weaponry and improved capability to monitor and defend the nation’s outlying regions, according to Asahi Shimbum website.

The previous basic policy, set in 1970, stipulated the Self-Defense Forces to use arms developed by Japanese companies to boost domestic defense contractors. Japan has made changes in military equipment production and technology for the first time in 44 years.

Cost attribution to increased sophisticated weaponry technologies has led to global trend of nations working together to develop fighter aircraft and other advanced weapons.

“We are strongly concerned that our nation’s defense-related technologies could be left behind by overseas competitors if no steps are taken,” Defense Minister, Itsunori Onodera said.

In the ministry’s plan, the United States, Britain, France, Australia, India, Southeast Asian countries and other friendly nations are named as potential partners to develop new military equipment and share arms technologies.

To counter threats from North Korea and China, the revised strategy says that Tokyo will enhance its patrol and surveillance capabilities by accelerating the development of drones and amphibious vehicles, areas where the SDF lags.

According to the new strategy, the ministry will work for the research and development of unmanned equipment, such as drones and robots, as early as the next fiscal year. Plans to promote the development of amphibious vehicles that would be used to defend remote islands are also included in the new basic policy.