Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: New policy guidelines allow export of equipment such as fighter jets, missiles and destroyers. That’s a major change from existing exports such as flak jackets, gas masks and civilian-use vehicles that Japan has sent to Ukraine and intelligence radars sold to the Philippines.
Japan will in future sell US-designed Patriot missiles to America to make up for munitions that Washington sent to Ukraine. Australia has signed an agreement with Japan for delivery of three of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ upgraded Mogami-class frigates.
Last week, a group of 30 NATO representatives visited Japan to discuss further deepening ties. For now, exports will be limited to 17 countries that have signed defence equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan.
