Government presents draft revision of operational guideline for transfer of defense equipment

During working-level talks between the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party aimed at strengthening defense capabilities, the government proposed a review of the operational guidelines for the "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment" in order to promote the further transfer of defense equipment.

In response, the two parties agreed on the need for a review, and decided to continue discussing the specifics.

Working-level talks between the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party aimed at strengthening defense capabilities held their sixth meeting, and discussed the transfer of defense equipment and the role of the defense industry.

In this, the government presented a draft revision of the operational guidelines for the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" with the aim of further promoting the export of defense equipment.

Specifically, it is said that it will be possible to export equipment with lethal capabilities to countries such as Ukraine that are under aggression in violation of international law, as well as to improve Japan's security environment.

Regarding non-lethal equipment, the "Three Principles" are limited to five types such as rescue and transportation, and new "landmine disposal" and "education and training" will be added.

In addition, we are proceeding with coordination in the direction of developing a common aircraft with the United Kingdom and other countries, and we are planning to consider directly supplying parts for the next-generation fighter aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force to third countries in the future.

On the other hand, as one of the four areas of "international cooperation" that Prime Minister Kishida instructed to consider as expenses that contribute to strengthening defense capabilities, we will cooperate with like-minded countries free of charge in addition to official development assistance (ODA).・We are planning to create a new framework for support.

In addition, the government revealed that it is considering a mechanism for the government to temporarily own production facilities in order to smoothly proceed with the business succession of the defense industry that is withdrawing domestically.

In response, the two parties agreed on the need to review the operational guidelines for the "Three Principles" as they would contribute to Japan's security, and confirmed that they would continue to discuss specific details.