Reference Message Network reported on May 11 that according to a May 10 report by the "Nikkei Asian Review", the Japanese government is considering exporting the next-generation fighter jointly developed with the United Kingdom and Italy to Australia. India and Canada have also expressed interest. If these countries can introduce common equipment, it will be beneficial for promoting close cooperation in training and equipment procurement, enhancing security relations. Against the backdrop of global instability, Japan's move aims to expand the "quasi-alliance" framework.

The next-generation fighter is the successor model of the F-2 fighter of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and the "Eurofighter Typhoon" used by the armies of the UK and Italy. Since December 2022, the joint development plan of Japan, the UK, and Italy has officially started. Companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Corporation of Japan, BAE Systems of the UK, and Leonardo of Italy will participate in the joint development, aiming to achieve deployment before 2035.

Recently, the governments and defense industries of Japan, the UK, and Italy have begun consultations with export target countries such as Australia. The Australian Defense Department stated in an interview: "Japan, the UK, and Italy have explained the next-generation fighter to relevant personnel of the Royal Australian Air Force."

Due to the security cooperation framework established between Australia, the US, and the UK - AUKUS (Australia, UK, and US), cooperation with Japan, the UK, and Italy is relatively easy. Moreover, regarding drones collaborating with the next-generation fighter, AUKUS is inquiring about Japan's intention to participate in R&D, indicating vast space for cooperation.

For Japan, Australia is a "quasi-allied country". Japan has listed the Australian military as an object of "protection of weapons and other items". "Protection of weapons and other items" refers to the act of the Self-Defense Forces providing protection to ships and other assets of other countries. In response to China's strengthened maritime activities, Japan is striving to establish a more solid and long-term defense cooperation relationship.

In addition to Australia, other countries have also shown interest in the next-generation fighter. Japan positions India as a "friendly country", and in February, the former probed the latter's intention to introduce the next-generation fighter. Friendly countries are positioned similarly to quasi-allied countries, and Japan has signed agreements such as the Mutual Support Agreement for Military Supplies and Services with India.

The Indian military has traditionally mainly used fighter jets manufactured in Russia. If India introduces equipment identical to that of Japan and Europe, its relationship with the Western camp may become closer.

Japan-India relations have been centered around the Japan-US-Australia-India cooperation framework - the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). A senior official of the Japanese Ministry of Defense stated: "Quad originally had a strong diplomatic coloration, but in the future, cooperation must be further advanced in the security field."

In addition, Canada also has intentions to participate in the cooperation. When asked in writing by parliament whether consideration was given to allowing Canada to participate in the joint development plan, UK Defense Procurement Minister Maria Eagle answered on April 1: "Japan, the UK, and Italy hold a positive attitude toward cooperation with other countries."

Saudi Arabia is also considering purchasing equipment and providing development funds under the status of a "partner country". Saudi Arabia hopes to participate in the development plan as much as possible, showing a flexible attitude regarding the form of cooperation during negotiations with Japan, the UK, and Italy in April. Saudi Arabia will explore participation in joint manufacturing and equipment maintenance.

The background factor for countries' attention to defense cooperation lies in the Trump administration of the United States. Countries are concerned about whether the US can continue to maintain the global security system in the future, thus advancing the formulation of "just-in-case" strategies and exploring cooperation with countries other than the US.

For Japan, the UK, and Italy, expanding the fighter jet export channel is beneficial for more like-minded countries to have a common equipment foundation, reducing the difficulty of allocating parts and other resources, and potentially enhancing regional defense capabilities and deterrence.

If production numbers increase, the cost per fighter jet is expected to decrease. It is estimated that the break-even point for the production of the next-generation fighter is 500 units. According to the plan of Japan, the UK, and Italy, if the number of exported fighters to other countries is included, the total production can exceed 500 units.

The chaos in the US defense industry has also brought opportunities to Japan, the UK, and Italy. Boeing has repeatedly incurred losses due to development delays. Lockheed Martin's progress in producing the F-35 fighter has been delayed, and nine aircraft originally scheduled for delivery to the Air Self-Defense Force in fiscal year 2024 were not delivered on time.

On the other hand, the development of the next-generation fighter still faces uncertainties. There is currently no clear progress regarding the plan to produce a prototype by the end of fiscal year 2025. There are also voices within the Ministry of Defense and defense industries suggesting that it may not be possible to deploy the next-generation fighter by 2035. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503030545891213860/

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