Japan will seek foreign partners and markets for arms

Significance

It has achieved a high degree of self-reliance and remains close to the cutting edge of advanced technologies. Protecting and nurturing an advanced and broad-based defence industry is national policy, but self-sufficiency is becoming more expensive. Current levels could prove unsustainable for both fiscal and political reasons.

Impacts

• China and North Korea are the most direct threats to Japan’s security, and both are becoming more serious.
• The Suga government so does not appear to be looking to cut defence spending in the near future.
• Export markets will be crucial for bringing costs down, but these same high costs are a barrier.