Tokyo — Japan plans to map out a strategy within 2025 to boost defense equipment exports by enhancing the international competitiveness of its defense industry.

The government aims to strengthen the industry’s foundation by helping expand its market reach, hoping to accelerate related efforts in cooperation with the private sector as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to power soon with his “America First” policy.

Article continues after this advertisement

The strategy, which will present medium- and long-term targets for defense equipment exports, will be worked out through cooperation among government agencies including the defense and trade ministries. Opinions of the industry will be reflected in the strategy.

FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Sobrepeña group not waving white flag BUSINESS Diesel, gasoline prices up P1.40/L, P1/L starting Jan 7 BUSINESS BSP to liberalize e-money issuance

The government expects that the strategy would be revised every five years.

Japan’s defense industry relies almost entirely on demand from the Self-Defense Forces. Many manufacturers have quit defense business due to low profit margins.

Article continues after this advertisement

In its 2022 Defense Buildup Program, the government said that boosting defense equipment exports is “also effective in ensuring the growth of the defense industry through the expansion of defense equipment market.”

Article continues after this advertisement

A key project in this area is the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy.

The agreement to buy energy from reactors built by Kairos Power came just weeks after word that Three Mile Island, the site of America’s worst nuclear accident, will restart operations to provide energy to Microsoft.

Article continues after this advertisement

In March last year, Japan revised the implementation guidelines for its three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology so that it will be able to export the aircraft to third countries.

9 pots of gold

The government’s draft budget for fiscal 2025 includes 108.7 billion yen in development costs for the fighter.

Article continues after this advertisement

Japan competes with Germany for a joint development contract for new frigates for the Australian navy. To win the deal, Japan set up a public-private committee to push Mogami-class destroyers.

Some government officials worry that Trump’s return to power could disrupt efforts to foster the defense industry, given that he pressed Japan to buy U.S. equipment during his first term.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“He may impose various demands,” a Defense Ministry official said.

Besides Japanmanilaplay, many countries are developing national strategies to bolster their defense industries amid Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine.

READ NEXT Solar firms urge DOE to speed up auctions Wages hold key to Japan economy in 2025 EDITORS' PICK Golden Globes 2025 winners’ list: ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Emilia Perez’ triumph Comelec begins printing of ballots for 2025 polls Homecoming confessions of an ex-sex trip film PR and WEA Dancers groupie UAE pardons 220 Filipinos – DFA Manila ex-waste contractor denies abandoning duty, cites payment issues Moments that made Golden Globes 2025 the perfect start to the year MOST READ PNP monitoring 3 active private armed groups ahead of 2025 elections Manila’s ex-trash collector: We didn’t abandon duty, we weren’t paid NAIA takes off as Marcos legacy in modernization LTO revokes almost  1,000 driver’s licenses Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments