
Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani visited the United Kingdom last week to discuss the ongoing joint fighter jet development program between Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy. The tri-national headquarters for the project, established with contributions from the three countries in Reading, 36 miles west of London, was unveiled. The meeting was a significant milestone in the progress of cooperation under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).
Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) and its Strategic Importance
During his meeting with Nakatani, UK Defence Secretary John Healy highlighted the positive progress made in the GCAP programme. The programme aims to develop, produce and export next-generation fighter jets that will enter service by 2035. This date is critical for Japan as it will be the year when around 100 F-2 fighter jets will begin to retire. Furthermore, the fact that the three countries aim to complete this project at a lower cost is important for the sustainability of long-term cooperation.
Partnership and Shared Risks
GCAP symbolizes a great cooperation not only in military terms but also in economic terms. The three countries have to reach a detailed agreement on the project, such as work, cost and revenue sharing, and technology transfers. However, each country's expectations and responsibilities regarding this project differ. Sadamasa Oue, a senior advisor at a Tokyo-based think tank, says that this process will be a difficult negotiation. Japan, in particular, has committed to participating in this project by increasing its defense budget, while the participation of the UK and Italy is also of great importance.
Japan's Defense Policies and GCAP
It is known that Japan has undergone a major transformation in its defense industry in recent years. In 2014, Japan's pacifist constitution's redefinition of Article 9 and its post-war arms export policies have paved the way for projects such as GCAP. This is Japan's largest and most expensive defense project. However, the government's efforts to increase defense spending and strengthen the defense industry are facing some criticism from within.
Political and Economic Challenges
Japan plans to significantly increase its annual defense budget after joining GCAP. This increase will allow for the engineering and expertise needed to develop next-generation fighter jets. However, Japan’s increased defense spending also comes at a cost to the country’s economic challenges. High inflation, a depreciating yen, and a social welfare crisis could constrain government resources for defense spending.
Global Competition and Future Perspectives
GCAP brings with it great competition not only between Japan, England and Italy, but also in the global defense industry. The participation of third countries such as Saudi Arabia in this project could enable the project to spread to a wider geography. In addition, the US defense industry is also in direct competition with this program. In particular, the US's prioritization of arms deals and defense projects could have an impact on the future of GCAP.
Japan aims to revitalize its defense industry and take on a stronger role in global security with GCAP. However, the project faces many challenges. Political obstacles, economic uncertainties and external factors are among the main factors that will shape the future of the program. The cooperation of Japan, the UK and Italy is critical to the successful implementation of GCAP. Over time, how sustainable this partnership will be and how much impact it will have on the international stage will be an important indicator for the world defense industry.