Rattled by Trump, US allies eye Japan's biggest arms opening since WW2

[BlueWavePsych]

Source: Reuters

Despite largely isolating itself from global arms markets since World ‌War Two, Japan spends enough on its own military - $60 billion this year - to sustain a sizeable defence industry capable of manufacturing advanced systems like submarines and fighter jets.

Among the potential new customers are the Polish military and the Philippine navy, which are undergoing modernization amid regional security challenges, according to Reuters interviews with Japanese officials and foreign diplomats in Tokyo. Defence contractors Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric (6503.T), opens new tab are hiring staff and adding capacity to capitalise on demand, their executives said, providing previously unreported details.
...
Three other ⁠European diplomats said Japan's easing provided a chance to lessen their heavy dependence on U.S. weapons production, which is strained by conflicts. Trump's unpredictability, such as his threats to leave the NATO security alliance and invade Greenland, have also heightened the push to diversify, according to the diplomats, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive ​matters.
...
"Offers are coming from everywhere," said Masahiko Arai, senior vice president at Mitsubishi Electric's defence unit, which has been adding staff in London and Singapore to facilitate defence exports.


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rattled-by-trump-us-allies-eye-japans-biggest-arms-opening-since-ww2-2026-04-15/

---

See also ...

Can Japan’s arms industry gain from Trump trust loss?

Under the new budget, more than 970 billion yen ($6.2bn) is earmarked to enhance Japan’s “standoff” missile capabilities. This includes 177 billion yen ($1.13bn) for the purchase of domestically produced and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles, which have an estimated range of about 1,000km (620 miles).

[BootinUp]

1. Everything Trump touches turns to shit. Nt