Japan is reportedly considering buying military transport aircraft from the United States, its security treaty ally, local media reported on Thursday, citing government sources.
Newsweek has emailed the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. has made its commitment to the defense of Japan since 1960, when they signed a mutual security treaty. Washington has bolstered Tokyo’s defense capabilities for decades by exporting defense items, including approvals of three missile sales since January.
The report of Japan’s intention to purchase military equipment comes after President Donald Trump has demanded NATO allies spend five percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on defense. Japan will increase its defense budget to two percent of GDP by fiscal 2027.
What To Know
During their meeting at the White House on February 7, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told Trump that his country is willing to acquire military transport aircraft, believed to be the Boeing-made C-17 Globemaster III, according to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency.
The report said the U.S. side “welcomed” the idea as Ishiba tried to reduce pressure from Washington to increase its defense spending. Last December, Tokyo approved a defense budget of a record 8.70 trillion yen ($55 billion) for fiscal 2025, which begins in April.
Following the meeting, Trump said at a press conference that while Japan has committed to doubling its defense spending, “we look forward to seeing even more so.” Ishiba replied that the responsibility and the decision to increase defense expenditures are with Japan.
The C-17 aircraft has a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds and a global range with in-flight refueling, according to the U.S. Air Force. It is capable of executing “rapid strategic delivery” of 102 troops and all types of cargo, which included tanks and armored vehicles.
However, Boeing has stopped making the C-17 aircraft since November 2015, when the final Globemaster III left the company’s plant in Long Beach, California. Kyodo News Agency said Japan would receive secondhand aircraft once the purchase plan is finalized.
The Japanese air force, formally known as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, operates a number of cargo aircraft, which included the domestically developed C-1 and C-2. Ishiba has directed the defense ministry to study the C-17 procurement plan, the report added.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said at a press conference on February 7: “In addition to being vital for our shared security, Japan is one of the top purchasers of U.S. military exports and equipment. And I’m pleased to say that this week my administration approved nearly $1 billion in foreign military sales to Tokyo.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at a press conference on February 7: “As for the increase of our defense expenditures, it is not that we are told by the United States to do so. Japan on our own, on our own decision and on our own responsibility, we need to increase our defense expenditures.”
What Happens Next
Facing threats from China and North Korea, it remains to be seen whether Japan will buy further military hardware from the U.S., in addition to the potential C-17 aircraft deal.
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