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Japan Today; news and updates
Topic Started: Sun May 11, 2014 10:42 pm (69 Views)
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Revision of SDF law sought to defend countries with ‘close relationships’

The Japan Times: MAY 10, 2014

Japan plans to revise the Self-Defense Forces Law this autumn so that force can be used to defend “countries with close relationships” facing a military attack, government sources said Saturday.

The legislative change will allow the use of force to be authorized as collective self-defense in such cases — even if Japan faces no direct military attack, the sources said.

Article 76 of the SDF law states that the prime minister can order the SDF to mobilize troops only when recognizing the need to defend Japan from direct military attack.

The countries designated as having close relationships with Japan will not be limited to the United States, either. They could also include Australia and the Philippines, for example, the sources said.

The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking to change the interpretation of the Constitution to legalize the use of collective self-defense, or coming to the aid of an ally under armed attack. In order to actually mobilize forces for collective self-defense, however, the government needs to revise the SDF law and expand the military’s responsibilities, sources said.

The changes to the SDF law would allow Japan to defend U.S. vessels on the high seas.

Under the proposal, the use of force under collective self-defense will be based on an order from the prime minister, who must get approval from the Cabinet. It also would require prior approval from the Diet, in principle, but that could come later in emergencies, the sources said.

The government is aiming to change the government’s interpretation of the supreme code at a Cabinet meeting after reaching a compromise with New Komeito, the smaller coalition partner of Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/05/10/national/revision-of-sdf-law-sought-to-defend-countries-with-close-relationships/#.U29gPfmSwj5
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
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Photo: Under the new arms export principles, Mitsubishi Heavy will be able to export parts to the U.S. for PAC-2 missiles used in the Patriot missile defense system. © Courtesy of Air Self‐Defense Force

Japanese, Western companies partnering up in arms development

May 10, 2014 2:00 am JST

TOKYO -- Japanese manufacturers are starting to work with European and American defense contractors on weapons development, seizing the opportunity created by the relaxation of an effective ban on arms exports.

Defense is a 1.6 trillion yen ($15.5 billion) industry in Japan, compared with the global market of more than 40 trillion yen. Japanese players aim to boost their competitiveness and grab a slice of markets abroad through tie-ups with Western companies that have track records in arms development.

Mitsubishi Electric will develop systems alongside MBDA of the U.K. to enhance the precision of air-to-air missiles, including infrared sensors, which allow for accurate target recognition and acquisition, and guidance systems. One of the Japanese company's strong points is radar chip technology, which MBDA saw as a must for improving its long-range guidance systems.

IHI has begun discussing development of missile propulsion systems with Western defense companies. Its systems have already been used in surface-to-air missiles for Japan's Self-Defense Forces, drawing the attention of such players as Raytheon of the U.S.

Lockheed Martin is in talks with such Japanese concerns as Sumitomo Precision Products and Kayaba Industry about producing equipment for absorbing shocks experienced by fighter jets during landing, aiming to use it in the cutting-edge F-35 stealth fighter.

The Japanese cabinet approved new arms export principles in April. Under this new regime, the government initially plans to let Mitsubishi Heavy Industries export parts to the U.S. for PAC-2 missiles used in the Patriot missile defense system.

Western companies are taking an interest in Japanese parts technologies that excel in durability and heat resistance while boasting competitive costs, and joint development is likely to expand.

The new principles allow international joint arms development only when it would contribute to Japan's national security, a criterion that the government deems working with the U.S. and U.K. to meet.

The government will be more cautious when exporting finished products, carefully reviewing the risk of transfers to third parties or unauthorized use.

(Nikkei)

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Japanese-Western-companies-partnering-up-in-arms-development
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
Manila, Philippines
getflipzi@yahoo.com

http://z6.invisionfree.com/flipzi

" Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them!"

" People don't care what we know until they know we care."
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