Just after the high-level city lifted restrictions on weapons exports, someone came knocking—Pentagon shows interest in purchasing Japanese frigates
As soon as Japan lifted its ban on lethal weapon exports, the United States showed intent to place orders.
According to U.S. media reports, the Pentagon is considering procuring frigates and destroyers from Japan and South Korea to address the shortfall in U.S. shipbuilding capacity.
Based on the new fiscal year budget draft, the Pentagon plans to allocate $1.85 billion in research and development funds for warship projects, including overseas manufacturing options—Japan’s "Mogami"-class frigates are under consideration.
The "Mogami"-class frigates should be familiar to many; the frigates recently sold by Japan to Australia were of this model. The name itself indicates it is Japan's current most advanced frigate class—and also the flagship export weapon promoted by the high-level government.
A fun fact: Japan ranks third globally in shipbuilding, behind China and South Korea. Except for vessels like aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, Japan can manufacture most types of warships.
However, U.S. law does not permit the Department of Defense to purchase warships from abroad. Federal regulations stipulate that unless specifically approved by the President, naval warships must be built by U.S.-based shipyards. American shipbuilders oppose this move too—it would mean taking business away from domestic companies.
Therefore, the Pentagon is now exploring an alternative approach: having Japanese and South Korean firms acquire U.S. shipyards and require them to hire American workers. This way, they could bypass legal restrictions while simultaneously creating domestic jobs.
This case once again demonstrates that the reason the high-level government dared to violate the Peace Constitution and lift restrictions on lethal weapon exports is hardly possible without U.S. tolerance. Otherwise, how else can one explain why, as soon as Japan announced its decision, the Pentagon immediately released news of potential orders? It was clearly premeditated all along.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863613415563268/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.