Japan to sell fighter jets in latest break from post-war pacifist ideals - BBC News

The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's official visit to the US in April.

10 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Concept art shows what the new fighter jet might look like flying over LondonBy Kelly NgBBC NewsJapan's cabinet has approved the export of new fighter jets it is developing with the UK and Italy, in the latest move away from its pacifist policies.

It eased arms export rules to allow the jets to be sold to countries that Japan has signed defence pacts with, and where there is no ongoing conflict.

Japan has pledged to double military spending by 2027, citing threats posed by China and North Korea.

Each fighter jet sale will require cabinet approval, authorities said.

In December 2022, Japan joined a UK-Italy collaboration, dubbed the Tempest, to develop this new fighter jet that will use artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to assist pilots.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68662465

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