Page 18 - ADT MARCH 2023 Latest Magazine | GBP

involved. GCAP is certainly a feather in the cap
© Gordon Arthur for the UK, since it has been seeking to deepen
collaboration with Japan for some time.

Japanese manufacturers are appearing more
consistently at international defence shows,
though they are finding it difficult to com-
pete. It was serious about selling submarines
to Australia, but that programme with Naval
Group ended in a debacle in any case. Likewise,
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has marketed
both its P-1 and C-2 aircraft to countries like
Canada, New Zealand and the UK, but they
have attracted no orders.
Japan, a member of the Quad, is engaging more
with regional countries like India, the Philippines
and Vietnam. For example, Mitsubishi Electric
manufactured four J/FPS-3ME air surveillance
radars for the Philippines under a 2020 con-
tract. Japan Marine United also constructed ten
44m patrol boats and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding
built two 94m multirole vessels for the Philippine
Coast Guard, plus the JSDF has transferred
contributes to peace and serves Japanese security interests. second-hand TC-90 turboprop aircraft to the
Philippine Air Force.
The NSS signalled greater involvement in the region too. ‘Transfer of
defence equipment and technology overseas is a key policy instru- Japan’s defence industry has been closeted
ment to ensure peace and stability, especially in the Indo-Pacific from the rest of the world for a long time, result-
region, to deter unilateral changes to the status quo by force, to ing in high manufacturing costs, low production
create a desirable security environment for Japan, and to provide rates and poor competitiveness. Although very
assistance to countries ... From this perspective, the Three Principles much the new kid on the block, Japan pos-
on Defence Equipment Transfers, its Implementation Guidelines sesses modern and capable platforms and it
and other systems are to be considered for revisions in order to could eventually see increasing sales under
promote smooth transfer of defence equipment and technology of more relaxed government policies.
high security significance and international joint development in a
broad array of fields.’ South Korea

The most promising joint development is the trilateral Global Perhaps Japan can learn a lot from South
Combat Air Programme (GCAP) between the UK, Japan and Italy, Korea’s success on the international arms scene.
the development of a next-generation fighter. It combines work South Korea has prioritised self-sufficiency in
already done on the UK’s Tempest and Japan’s F-X future fighter, defence production, and 2022 was something
but GCAP has no lead nation or company. It is instead heralded as of a breakout year for domestic manufacturers
an equal partnership between BAE Systems, Leonardo and MHI, and as major deals were sealed. Last year kicked
it is very significant as it represents the first time Tokyo has worked off with a large USD3.5 billion deal for KM-SAM
on a major military programme with a partner other than the USA. medium-range air defence systems to the UAE.
Indeed, Japan eschewed development of its F-X with American Deliveries started last year and will be complete
partners primarily because of the strict security conditions imposed by 2027. This was followed by a February con-
by the US. tract for hundreds of K9A1 155mm self-propelled
howitzers (SPH) to Egypt.
The triumvirate hopes to commence the GCAP’s development phase
in 2025, aiming towards an in-service date of 2035. A joint statement However, even greater success was to come in
said: ‘Through the GCAP, we will build on our longstanding defence Europe. Fearful of Russian aggression, Poland
relationships. The GCAP will accelerate our advanced military capa- has commenced a serious rearmament pro-
bility and technological advantage. It will deepen our defence gramme, and Warsaw proceeded to order 180
cooperation, science and technology collaboration, integrated K2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem; 212 K9A1s and 288
supply chains, and further strengthen our defence industrial base.’ K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers from
Other companies such as Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK, IHI Corporation, Hanwha Aerospace; and 48 FA-50 light fighters
Mitsubishi Electric, Avio Aero and Elettronica are expected to be from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
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