Japanese media, citing Kyodo News on Monday, reported that the two governments plan to set up a public-private framework within the year to apply dual-use technologies to defense equipment development. The framework would link companies that plan and design equipment with firms that handle manufacturing.
The initial concept is to manufacture in Japan drones developed by an emerging U.S. company. Kyodo described it as a structure that combines advanced technologies where the United States has strengths with Japan’s production capacity. Some observers say it could accelerate integration in U.S.-Japan defense equipment development.
Drones are a typical dual-use item. In civilian settings they are used for logistics, filming and inspections, while on the battlefield they can be used for reconnaissance, attacks and target tracking. Their military importance has grown through the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.-Iran clashes.
The cooperation is also driven by concerns about China. By producing drones in Japan, the two countries appear to be seeking to reduce dependence on Chinese-made drones and parts and to build a supply chain that can provide stable procurement in an emergency.
The plan could also raise concerns inside Japan, including the possibility that lethal attack drones produced domestically could be used in combat or exported to third countries. Japan has recently eased restrictions on defense exports, widening the scope of weapons transfers. If drone cooperation expands, debate could intensify over Japan’s defense export principles and its stance as a pacifist nation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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