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Japan, Britain to launch joint research into fighter jet missile technology

Months after Tokyo lifted a ban on weapons exports, media reports indicate agreement to develop missile technology with the UK and a parts deal with the US for its Patriot system

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A Japanese Self-Defense Forces type-92 anti-mine rocket launcher fires a missile during an annual live fire exercise in August 2013 in this file image. Photo: AFP

Japan and Britain are to jointly develop missile technology for fighter jets, while Tokyo may also start exporting Japanese-made parts for US surface-to-air missiles, a report said on Thursday.

The plan – which comes months after Japan lifted a self-imposed ban on weapons exports – was likely to be approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet at a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, the Mainichi newspaper reported, without citing sources.

The joint research with Britain was linked to a European missile project called Meteor, while the parts exports would be destined for Washington’s Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missile defence system, the report said.

If approved, the US exports would be the first since Japan in April approved a new policy that replaces its 1967 blanket ban on shipping arms overseas, the Mainichi said.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. Photo: AFP
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. Photo: AFP

Under the new rules, weapon sales are still banned to conflict-plagued countries or nations that could undermine international peace and security, and they must contribute to international peace and boost pacifist Japan’s security.

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