Japanese Government Resurrects Wartime "State-Owned Armories" to Enhance Sustained Combat Capabilities

According to Japanese media reports, a draft of the economic and fiscal management guidelines formulated by the Japanese government this summer will include provisions on studying the establishment of state-owned armories as a key measure to boost military equipment production capacity during wartime. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to enhance sustained combat capabilities. The government also plans to revise the Basic Act on Strengthening Military Equipment Production, with relevant content expected to be incorporated into three core security documents—namely the National Security Strategy—that the government aims to revise within the year.

Operating Model of State-Owned Armories

The state-owned armory model involves the state owning facilities and infrastructure, while entrusting private enterprises with production responsibilities. The draft specifies that, in order to ensure sustained combat capability, the government will explore having state-owned armories produce “critical military equipment that cannot be stably supplied.” According to sources close to the Japanese government and ruling parties, the primary items under consideration for production include ammunition and missiles—consumable military supplies. The draft also proposes establishing a state-involvement legal entity to centralize factory production management.

Historical Development of State-Owned Armories

Armories were formerly core state-run military production and repair facilities operated by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, originating from Japan's early industrialization efforts under the Meiji government aimed at achieving domestic weapon production. After Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1945, all state-owned armories were dismantled and abolished pursuant to directives issued by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP). Today, all equipment used by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces is procured through contracts with private companies.

Policy Implementation Context

The proposal to establish state-owned armories has already been included in the joint governance agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito Party (Japan Innovation Party). Both parties have submitted proposals for revising the three core security documents, each calling for the implementation of this system and the improvement of supporting legislation.

In addition, the Japanese government has designated defense industry as one of the 17 strategic sectors in its growth strategy, aiming to promote bidirectional investment between public and private sectors.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868874973242443/

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