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Regional Focus Asia Pacific

f Currently, the JSDF is undergoing some deep
structural changes: The Maritime Self-Defence
Force (MSDF) will retain four escort flotillas –
each with one helicopter destroyer and two
“Aegis” destroyers – and five escort divisions
with other destroyers.
(All photos via author)

influence of China,” explained Zakowski, who
served as an intern in the Japanese Parliament.
Export is also necessary if Japanese defence
companies want to avoid financial problems.
Indeed, all three major players – Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries (MHI), Kawasaki Heavy
Industries (KHI), and Fuji Heavy Industries
(FHI) – have recorded recent profit declines.
An Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
Agency (ATLA) was established in October
2015, to support Japan’s new path. One of its
major goals is to, “strengthen defence equip-
ment and technology cooperation with foreign
countries.”
In an official statement, ATLA refers to
the “Vientiane Vision” unveiled in Novem-
ber 2016 by Defence Minister Tomomi Inada
following the ASEAN meeting in the Laotian
capital. This doctrine promotes strong co-
operation with ASEAN countries (Brunei,
Robert Czulda Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
Cherry Blossoms and Vietnam), due to the fact that they are
located, “in vital areas of Japan’s sea lanes.”
Japan has already approached these
Defence For and From Japan countries and agreed either to begin military
cooperation or at least to initiate negotiations
to this effect. However, Japan clearly states
A detailed look at the new interpretation that now allows Japan to exercise the that export is only possible to countries that
right to collective self-defence and support an ally if attacked. are not involved in conflict or if it does not
violate Japan’s law and agreements or any
resolution of the UN Security Council. Any
In recent years Japan has increased defence regular armed forces, although the Japan export must support the, “active promotion of
spending and initiated efforts to export locally- Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) are, in effect, a peace and international cooperation,” and the
produced equipment to other countries, mainly typical military force. In 2014, the government security of Japan.
in South East Asia. This plan, however, is less under Abe’s leadership changed the interpreta- Under Japan’s August 2016 Defense Tech-
successful than Tokyo might have wished for. tion of Article 9 and overturned a ban on arms nology Strategy, ATLA supports the country’s
At least until now. export. activities in, “ensuring technological supe-
Japan, characterised by complete, unques- riority and responding to operational needs
tionable pacifism and neutralism, has ended Defence From Japan smoothly and quickly”.
up with the conservative Shinzo Abe as Prime To accomplish this goal, ATLA has inte-
Minister from December 2012. Since then, Japan was, for a long time, forbidden from grated several organisations and departments,
he has been trying to transform Japan into a exporting its military products – which are which were responsible for procuring equip-
more active actor in the region, particularly in officially known as “defence products” or ment for the JSDF. By doing this, Japan is
military and security posture. It is foremost a “defence equipment;” the word “military” demonstrating that it wants to more effectively
reaction to an increasingly assertive and ex- is never used. In 1967, Japan introduced a manage all elements of procurement, includ-
pansionist approach by China – Tokyo’s main limited export ban, which was extended to ing concept study, research and development,
rival. include any transfer in 1976. Abe changed production, acquisition and maintenance
“During Abe’s administration, large this policy in 2014 as part of his security and throughout the full life cycle. Since ATLA was
changes are visible,” Professor defence strategy. “Abe started, for only established less than two years ago, it is
Karol Zakowski at the University strategic reasons, to export Japa- yet too early to assess its efficiency. The same
of Lodz in Poland (and a visiting nese military technology to coun- is true for another ATLA goal, which is to,
scholar at several Japanese uni- tries that could support Japan as “maintain and strengthen defence production
versities) commented. “To some a counterbalance to the increasing and technological bases”.
extent, they are possible due to a
new interpretation of Article 9 of
Japan’s constitution.” Japan there- Robert Czulda, PhD,
a research associate in the Department of the Foreign Policy and Security Theory
in formally renounced its right to (University of Lódz, Poland), is an expert in international security and defence issues,
belligerency and even maintaining and a regular contributor to NAVAL FORCES.
58 NAVAL FORCES III/2017