Defence

Japan Greenlights Fighter Jet Sales to other nations

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In a significant departure from its postwar pacifist stance, Japan’s Cabinet has given the green light to a plan aimed at selling future next-generation fighter jets developed in collaboration with Britain and Italy to other countries.

This decision marks a notable shift in Japan’s defense strategy, emphasizing its willingness to engage in international arms sales and bolster its role in global security. By allowing international sales of these advanced aircraft, Japan aims to enhance its technological edge in the face of escalating regional tensions, particularly from neighboring China and Russia.

Accompanying this decision is a revision to Japan’s arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines, permitting the sale of co-produced lethal weapons to countries beyond the project’s partners. However, Tokyo emphasizes that, for the time being, exports of such weaponry will be restricted solely to the new fighter jets, slated for deployment by 2035.

Japan’s move towards arms exports, which was formerly restricted by its pacifist constitution, is a reflection of the increased urgency with which it must address threats to regional and international security, especially those posed by China. The proposed fighter jet is expected to give Japan the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to manage the rising tensions in the area and put it in a competitive position in relation to adversaries like China and Russia.

The collaborative effort with Italy and Britain aims to develop an advanced fighter aircraft, slated to replace Japan’s aging fleet of F-2 fighters and the Eurofighter Typhoons utilized by its allies. However, this strategic move isn’t devoid of historical context. Japan’s wartime past as an aggressor, coupled with the devastation of World War II, has long shaped its constitutional limitations on military activities and arms exports.

The Japanese government has pledged to restrict the export of deadly weapons produced in collaboration with other parties, limiting sales to recently built fighter jets, in an effort to calm fears arising from its military past. Moreover, promises have been given that these weapons will not be deployed in active conflict zones.

Defence

India Offers $200 Million LOC to Nigeria for Tejas Jets

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India and Nigeria have taken a major leap forward in their strategic partnership with a series of agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to Nigeria on November 12. As reported by IDRW.

These agreements span critical areas, including defence, economic development, and food security, signaling a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

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Among the standout developments, India has proposed the sale of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), showcasing its growing role in global defense markets.

Advancing Defence Cooperation

A significant highlight of the agreements is India extending a $200 million Line of Credit (LOC) to Nigeria. This financial support is specifically designed to facilitate the procurement of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

As Nigeria looks to modernize its air combat capabilities, the tejas Mk1A offers an advanced, cost-effective solution to replace the country’s ageing Chengdu F-7NI fighter jets, which are increasingly considered outdated against modern threats.

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The LCA-Tejas Mk1A is a state-of-the-art, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft. Its advanced avionics, lightweight design, and powerful weaponry position it as a formidable choice for nations seeking affordable yet capable air defense solutions.

Strengthening Economic Ties

India’s interest in supplying the hal tejas is part of a broader strategy to challenge the dominance of Russia and China in Africa’s defense sector. India and Nigeria share a robust economic relationship, with India emerging as Nigeria’s largest trading partner in 2021-22.

The potential sale of 15 tejas mark 1a fighter jets aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defense readiness and modernize its military.

This recent development follows India’s active push to establish itself as a key defense supplier to Nigeria. In March 2024, a defense industry delegation visited Abuja to explore potential exports, including the LCA tejas fighter jet.

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Nigeria has previously evaluated other Indian-made platforms such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand,’ the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv.’

India’s expanding defense engagement with Nigeria reflects its ambition to strengthen ties with Africa’s largest economy. With Nigeria looking to upgrade its military infrastructure, India’s competitive and reliable defense solutions offer a win-win partnership.