Japan greenlights jet fighter exports

By Aya El Sayed On Mar 13, 2024

A concept model of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)'s fighter jet is displayed at the DSEI Japan defense show at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, east of Tokyo, Japan March 15, 2023. Credit: Reuters.

Japan announced on Wednesday a revision of its military export regulations, enabling the international sale of a new fighter jet developed in collaboration with Britain and Italy, Reuters reported.

The change, which comes after extensive political discussions, will allow exports to nations with defence agreements with Japan and not engaged in conflicts.

This move is expected to reduce costs by allowing more widespread sales of the aircraft. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which includes companies like BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Leonardo, aims to launch the advanced fighter by the mid-2020s.

The project, potentially involving other partners such as Saudi Arabia, is supported by firms like MBDA, Mitsubishi Electric, Rolls-Royce, IHI Corp., and Avio Aero.