Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito agree to allow export of next-generation fighter jets to third countries

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Regarding the next-generation fighter aircraft, which is being jointly developed with the UK and Italy, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito Party have agreed to allow exports to third countries, with restrictions such as restricting export destinations.

Discussions have been ongoing since April last year between the Liberal Democratic Party, which has a policy of allowing the export of next-generation fighter jets, and the Komeito Party, which is cautious.

On the 15th, the Liberal Democratic Party’s Political Affairs Research Chairman Watami and Komeito’s Political Affairs Research Chairman Takagi met in the Diet. They agreed to allow exports, subject to the restrictions set forth by the government.

Specifically, to go through a strict decision-making process
, in addition to cases in which the government allows export, cabinet approval is also required when exporting fighter jets to a third country.

In addition,
they will limit exports to next-generation fighter jets
, limit exports to countries with which Japan has agreements regarding the export of defense equipment, and
refrain from exporting to countries where combat is taking place.

The government plans to make a Cabinet decision in late March once internal procedures by both parties are completed.

This means there is a possibility of exporting fighter jets in the future, which can be said to be a shift in postwar security policy.

Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council Chairman Tokai Tokai “Judgement according to the international situation”

Liberal Democratic Party Political Affairs Research Chairman Watari Watanabe told reporters, “At the end of February, the situation was not in order and we were not able to convince Komeito. We sincerely exchanged ideas with each other. It took a long time to make this decision, but it was an important decision for the country, and I think it was well worth taking this long.”

Regarding the establishment of restrictions on exports, he said, “As the international situation changes greatly daily, it is the government’s responsibility to make decisions by the international situation at the time, and then the cabinet decides on it. “We have established a process for the government to take political responsibility. It is an important matter to protect the lives and property of the people, and we have determined that such a process is necessary.”

Komei Policy Research Council Chairman Takagi: “Major policy change, great progress in public understanding”

Komeito’s Political Affairs Research Chairman Takagi told reporters, “This was a major policy change that required the understanding of the public, but the public’s understanding was greatly improved through discussions between the Political Affairs Research Chairman and Prime Minister Kishida’s explanation in the Diet. I think we have made progress. However, just because an agreement has been reached does not mean that accountability has ended. I hope that the government will do more to gain an understanding of the people in the future and that the ruling party should also explain things to the people. I want to do that,” he said.

When asked if this would shake the foundations of a peaceful nation, he answered, “Fighter jets tend to be seen as offensive weapons, but our country believes that they are necessary for exclusively defensive purposes. If we export them… We recognize that this is necessary for the defense of the country, and the constitutional issue has been cleared.”

Meiji Restoration Policy Research Council Chairman Aoyagi: “Exports to third countries should be allowed without exception.”

Aoyagi, acting chairman of the Japan Restoration Association’s political affairs research group, told reporters, “In the case of international joint development, exports to third countries should be allowed without exception. From now on, defense equipment equipped with the latest technology such as AI and drones should be allowed. will be the main battleground, and since no country can prepare a supply chain on its own, it will be an international joint development. At that time, countries that are troublesome and have to restrict themselves to aircraft only, or have to consider each case, will need partners. We will no longer be elected as a country.”