Discussion over Fighter Jet Development

The Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, had a meeting with German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence on October 28th. Merz expressed his willingness to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which promotes joint development of new fighter jets, by Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy. Takaichi is interested in military business with European countries, ignoring potential concern of neighbor countries on Japan’s “new militarism.” 

Both leaders called the bilateral relations between Japan and Germany “premium partner” in their joint statement, with which they recognized common strategic issues to keep freedom, peace and prosperity of both countries and the world. Those strategic issues would include security, defense, economic security, innovation and global issues such as measures on climate change or protection of environment. Merz insisted that both countries shared so much in common that calling each other neighbors would not be overstatement.

 

Main issue in this meeting was GCAP. Japan, U.K. and Italy agreed in 2022 on launching a joint project for developing sixth generation of fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon in Europe and F-2 in Japan’s Self-defense Force. Those countries established an international organization named GIGO to promote the project in 2023 and major manufacturers in those countries formed a joint venture.

 

However, the U.K. slowed down the project. The project requires a large amount of spendings to the governments. The U.K. government cut the budget for development of new fighter jet, causing a concern of fiscal difficulty. Although they plan to start building the aircraft in 2030 and finish the first one in 2035, it is still unclear whether the project will go along with the original schedule.

 

Takaichi government of Japan hopes to accelerate the project which is in the context of economic stimulus through investment to security and defense. Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) removed restriction in five categories in export of weapons in April. Mitsubishi Heavy Industry will be involved in the project. Takaichi believes that weapon trade may boost Japan’s economy.

 

If Germany joins the GCAP, it is inevitable that roles of member countries will be reviewed, causing further delay of schedule. After the meeting with Takaichi, Merz announced that Germany’s participation in the program would be discussed in Japan. Takaichi’s response to Germany’s joining was not specifically reported. They at least agreed on having a bilateral meeting of ministers in charge of foreign affairs and defense (2 plus 2).

 

A project of cooperation for developing weapons by Japan and European countries may reminds of an era of Axis Powers in the World War II, namely of the Tripartite Pact by Japan, Germany and Italy in 1940. Those fascist regimes once explored new orders in Europe and “Greater East Asia.” Takaichi seems to have no consideration on possibly negative sentiment in Asian region, including China and others in Southeast Asia.

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