Japan, Britain and Italy hope that the fighter jet that the three countries jointly developed will be ready by 2035.
Japanese government spokesman Hayashi Yoshimasa said the cabinet had approved changing Japan's arms export rules, following an agreement by the ruling coalition earlier this month, according to AFP.
Image of the next generation fighter model jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy
Kyodo News Screenshot
“The plan to build fighter aircraft with the capabilities necessary for Japan's national security must be implemented to ensure that Japan's defense capabilities are not compromised,” Hayashi told reporters.
“We need to have a system that allows Japan to transfer defense equipment to countries other than our partners and contribute equally to the United Kingdom and Italy,” Mr. Hayashi continued.
The new fighter aircraft mentioned above can only be exported to countries that are not in conflict and have signed an international commitment to use weapons in accordance with the United Nations charter.
Historical change allows Japan to sell Patriot missiles to allies
The new regulations also emphasize that fighter aircraft can only be exported to countries that have signed treaties with Japan on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, according to Kyodo News. There are currently 15 countries that have signed this treaty with Japan.
Previously, the export of Japanese military equipment to third countries was banned, although there have been some exceptions in recent years, according to AFP.
