SECURITY_ Japan, Australia, US start new era with F-35 service agreement

NIKKEI ASIAN REVIEW
December 19, 2014 4:14 am JST
Security in Asia-Pacific

Japan, Australia, US start new era with F-35 service agreement


The F-35 stealth fighter is bringing the three allies even closer. © Kyodo

TOKYO -- The U.S. decision for Japan and Australia to host the Asia-Pacific service hubs for the F-35 stealth jets marks a new phase in their trilateral cooperation on military equipment and maintenance.

"This is a meaningful development when considering securing a support system for the F-35s, maintaining the foundations of our domestic defense industry and strengthening Japan's alliance with the U.S.," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told the press on Thursday.

The high-tech F-35 fighters were developed jointly by the U.S. and the U.K., among other contributors, and will be acquired in the Asia-Pacific by Japan, Australia and South Korea. The hub in Australia will service aircraft in the southern Pacific, while the one in Japan will handle jets in the northern Pacific.

Both locations with the ability to repair and update the fighters' airframe will open by early 2018. Australia will also start providing engine maintenance around that time, followed by Japan three to five years later. The three countries will communicate closely over service information for the F-35s to prepare for any emergencies in the region.

Japan also hopes to acquire cutting-edge technology through maintenance of the stealth fighters, such as on body design and engines with low-heat signatures. The Defense Ministry is mulling developing stealth fighters domestically, and is looking to build up know-how on basic design and necessary features.

In addition, Japan and the U.S. are considering involvement in Australia's next-generation submarines. Japan could contribute to developing the body, including the engine, while the U.S. could provide expertise on information systems and weaponry such as torpedoes.

The three countries issued a joint statement at a November summit pledging to strengthen their security cooperation, such as in joint military exercises and defense equipment. They are looking to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas such as joint military drills and disaster relief.

(Nikkei)

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