British next-generation fighter model named Tempest, jointly developed by Japan and Italy
According to Nikkei Asia , a draft guideline was just released by the Japanese government on June 20 on following US and European standards when producing domestic defense equipment.
The aim of the draft is to reduce maintenance costs and increase business opportunities for Japanese defense companies.
The plans come as increasingly sophisticated sensor and radar technology in defense equipment increases the cost of maintenance and replacement of parts.
Japan's maintenance costs for fiscal 2023 are expected to be 2 trillion yen ($14.8 billion), or nearly 30 percent of defense-related spending. The figure was just over 10 percent in 1990.
Rising equipment costs lead to increased operational life. For example, the Japan Self-Defense Force (SDF) F-15 fighter jet has been in service since 1981. Older equipment requires more safety inspections and parts replacement, leading to higher maintenance costs.
Most of the SDF's equipment to date has been built on proprietary standards, making it difficult to exchange parts with other militaries . Increasingly complex small-batch production has contributed to rising costs, according to Japan's 2022 defense white paper.
The new draft guidelines call on domestic companies to develop and manufacture equipment compatible with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia and other allies.
The plan aims to standardize equipment among the parties with which Japan conducts joint exercises in the Indo- Pacific and elsewhere.
In addition to reducing prices and increasing domestic production, the new strategy could help the SDF increase its ability to operate continuously, preventing situations where equipment cannot be moved due to a lack of components.
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Japan's defense industry has more than 1,000 companies involved in the production of fighter planes and tanks, and more than 8,000 companies involved in the production of destroyers.
Japanese regulations currently restrict exports of lethal equipment. However, the government is considering easing those restrictions to allow more exports, so a unified standard would help companies secure sales channels.
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